Scientific Name
Prunus caroliniana
Common Name
Carolina cherry laurel

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Rosaceae
Plant Description
Evergreen tree; leaves alternate, simple, smooth or toothed on the margin; flowers in an elongated cluster, 5-parted, white; fruit fleshy, black with a large pit (stone).
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Piedmont, Coastal Plain and cultivated.
Where Found
Maritime forest or natural area; weedy in disturbed areas on roadsides and along fencerows; landscape as broadleaf evergreen ornamental tree.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Wilted leaves, twigs (stems), seeds.
Symptoms
Gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma, respiratory failure.
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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