Scientific Name
Skimmia japonica
Common Name
Japanese skimmia

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Rutaceae
Plant Description
Low, evergreen shrub; leaves alternate, simple, crowded at the end of branches, smooth margined, leathery, aromatic when bruised; flowers in upright, terminal clusters, usually 4-parted, creamy white, slightly fragrant, with reddish purple stalks; fruit a bright red drupe.
Origin
Japan
Where Found
Landscape as cultivated woody ornamental shrub.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Red fruits.
Symptoms
Causes abortion; cardiac arrest.
Toxic Principle
Unknown.
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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