Scientific Name
Pistia stratiotes
Common Name
Water lettuce

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Araceae
Plant Description
Floating aquatic; leaves spreading in a rosette on water surface, spongy, rounded, the main veins conspicuously indented above.
Origin
USA
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape in aquaria; landscape in water gardens.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Intense burning and swelling of lips, tongue, and throat; nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur.
Toxic Principle
Calcium oxalate crystals plus unknown toxins.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES 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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