Scientific Name
Prunus armeniaca
Common Name
Apricot

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Rosaceae
Plant Description
Deciduous tree; leaves alternate, simple, toothed on the margin, with 2 small glands at base of blade; flowers usually solitary, 5-parted, white or pinkish; fruit fleshy with a large pit (stone), yellow or reddish.
Origin
China.
Where Found
Landscape in fruit garden, cultivated tree.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Wilted leaves, twigs (stems), seeds. Laetrile from the seeds is a dangerous, controversial treatment for cancer.
Symptoms
Gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma, respiratory failure.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Fruit edible raw, dried, or cooked.
Toxic Principle
Cyanogenic glycoside, amygdalin.
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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