Scientific Name
Pedilanthus tithymaloides
Common Name
Japanese poinsettia, redbird flower, slipper flower, devil's-backbone

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION SEVERE! SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Euphorbiaceae
Plant Description
Succulent shrub with milky juice; stems green, often zig-zag; leaves alternate, simple, pointed, green or white-edged; flowers red AND CLUSTERED AT THE ENDS OF BRANCHES; fruit a capsule.
Origin
Tropical America.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Milky sap from all parts.
Symptoms
Irritation of the mouth and throat, vomiting and diarrhea when ingested. Skin irritation, rash, and blistering and eye irritation upon contact.
Toxic Principle
Diterpene esters.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION SEVERE! SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

Previous Species, Home, Next Species