Scientific Name
Sophora secundiflora
Common Name
Mescal bean

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Fabaceae
Plant Description
Evergreen shrub or tree; leaves alternate, pinnately divided with 7-9 leaflets, notched, silky below; flowers pea-like, violet-blue, fragrant; fruit a woody pod with bright red seeds.
Origin
Mexico and southwestern USA.
Where Found
Plant not grown in North Carolina; seeds imported for making necklaces.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Seeds, often used in making necklaces.
Symptoms
Vomiting, diarrhea, excitement, delirium, and coma.
Toxic Principle
Alkaloids.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY 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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