Family:
Ericaceae
Toxic Parts:
all
Toxins:
terpenes, grayanotoxins
Flower Color:
  • flower color
Found:
ornamental, mountains

Time of Greatest Risk

JFMAMJJASOND

Geographical Distribution

Japanese pieris distribution - United States

Related Species

Japanese Pieris

Pieris japonica

Lily-of-the-valley Bush, Japanese Andromeda, Fetterbush
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Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica), also known as fetterbush, is a compact evergreen shrub from the Ericaceae (Heath family). The plant is native to Asia, where it grows in mountainous areas. It is known for it's drooping clusters of lily-of-the-valley-like white flowers which emerge in early spring. It has leathery, dark green leaves, often brightly colored when young.

Japanese pieris contains grayanotoxins which binds to the sodium channels of heart and skeletal muscle and nerve cells, maintaining the cells in a state of depolarization. Clinical signs of poisoning develop about 6-8 hours after ingestion of the plant.