Scientific Name
Rhodotypos scandens
Common Name
Black jetbead, jetberry bush

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Rosaceae
Plant Description
Deciduous shrub, the stems becoming reddish; leaves opposite, simple, toothed on the margin; flower solitary, 4-parted, white; fruit a shiny black drupe in clusters of 4 with 4 spreading sepals below.
Origin
Asia.
Where Found
Landscape as culivated, ornamental shrub.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Fruits.
Symptoms
Difficult breathing, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, abdominal pains, vomiting, spasms, convulsions, coma, respiratory failure.
Toxic Principle
Amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside.
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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