Scientific Name
Streptopus spp.
Common Name
Twisted-stalk, mandarin, scootberry

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Liliaceae
Plant Description
Perennial, erect, branched herb; leaves alternate, simple, clasping at base; flowers solitary, 6-parted, bell-shaped, whitish to rose; fruit a red berry, hanging below the leaves.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Mountains.
Where Found
Forest or natural area in rich, moist woods.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Berries.
Symptoms
Unknown cases, but suspected due to close relationship with known toxic plants.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Tender young shoots with leaves may be added to a salad. A few berries make a pleasant nibble. SOURCE: Angier, B. 1974. Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, Pa, 255 pp. Peterson, L. 1978. A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, 330 pp.
Toxic Principle
Possibly cardiac glycosides.
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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