Scientific Name Prunus persica Common Name Peach

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics Family Rosaceae Plant Description Deciduous tree; leaves alternate, simple, long-pointed, toothed on the margin, with 2 small glands at base of blade; flowers 1-2, 5-parted, white; fruit fleshy, dark maroon with a large, rough pit (stone). Origin China. Where Found Landscape and orchards as cultivated fruit tree. Mode Ingestion. Poisonous Part Wilted leaves, twigs (stems), seeds. Symptoms Gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma, respiratory failure. Edibility EDIBLE PARTS:Fruit edible raw 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.