Scientific Name
Pieris japonica
Common Name
Japanese andromeda, lily-of-the-valley bush

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Ericaceae
Plant Description
Evergreen shrub with hairless twigs; leaves alternate and simple, leathery; flowers in terminal, drooping clusters, each white, inverted urn-shaped, the short, 5 lobes spreading; fruit a round capsule.
Origin
Asia.
Where Found
Landscape, cultivated ornamental flowering woody shrub.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Leaves and nectar from flowers.
Symptoms
Tingling sensation, salivation, nose and eyes watering, nausea, vomiting, sweating, abdominal pain, headache, weakness, convulsions; may be fatal.
Toxic Principle
Andromedotoxin.
Severity
HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

"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.

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