Scientific Name
Spathiphyllum spp.
Common Name
Peace lily, spathe flower

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Araceae
Plant Description
Perennial herb; leaves basal, elongated, pointed at both ends, dark green with conspicuously indented veins; flowers small on a spadix surrounded by a white or greenish, flat or concave spathe.
Origin
Tropical America.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Leaves.
Symptoms
Burning of lips, tongue, and throat.
Toxic Principle
Calcium oxalate crystals.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH 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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