Poisonous Japanese Plants

Japanese Andromeda

• The Japanese andromeda is also known as the Lily-of-the-valley bush. This plant is often referred to by its scientific name of Pieris japonica and is a member of the Ericaceae family. The Japanese andromeda is an evergreen shrub that has clusters of flowers with five lobes. Commonly placed in landscape settings, the Japanese andromeda has toxic effects if ingested. According to North Carolina State University, humans who ingest the leaves or flower nectar of this shrub often experience excess salivation, tingling, watery eyes, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, profuse sweating, headache, seizures and overall weakness. Consuming large portions of this plant often causes death, as well. The Japanese andromeda is also dangerous for animals such as dogs, cats and horses. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or ASPCA, animals that ingest even small parts of this plant often experience weakness, excess salivation, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiovascular problems, low blood pressure, coma and possibly death.

Japanese Yew

• The Japanese yew is also known as the Anglo-Japanese yew and is a member of the Taxaceae family. Growing to heights of up to 40 feet, this plant produces evergreen foliage and bright-red berries. The Japanese yew is native to Japan, Korea and Manchuria and is considered toxic to humans and animals. According to Ohio State University, the Japanese yew contains a substance known as taxine, which is toxic if consumed in large amounts. The bark, leaves and seeds are all capable of producing plant poisoning symptoms. These symptoms are similar in humans and animals and include diarrhea, vomiting, gastrointestinal pain, weakness, collapse, tremors, slow heart rate, seizures, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, circulatory failure, coma and even death.

Japanese Bead Tree

• The Japanese bead tree (Melia azedarach) is perhaps best known by the name Chinaberry tree. A member of the Meliaceae family, the Japanese bead tree is native to Japan, China, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and is a rapidly-growing tree that often exceeds 50 feet in height. The Japanese bead tree produces small, dainty flowers and round, yellow berries, and it is considered poisonous to humans and animals. The ripe fruit is the most toxic part of the tree, but the leaves, bark and flowers all produce symptoms of plant poisoning. Symptoms are similar in humans and animals, and include vomiting, diarrhea, excess salivation, depression, seizures and overall weakness.