Leatherwood
General poisoning notes:
Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) is a native shrub found in parts of eastern Canada in woodlands. This shrub contains unknown poisonous chemicals that are most potent in the bark. Chewing the bark can cause severe burning in the mouth and can produce a nauseating taste; dermatitis can occur, especially during flowering and fruiting time (Fyles 1920, Lampe and McCann 1985).
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Dirca palustris L.
Vernacular name(s): leatherwood
Scientific family name: Thymelaeaceae
Vernacular family name: mezereum
Dirca palustris L.
Geographic Information
New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec
Toxic parts:
Bark.
Toxic plant chemicals:
Unknown chemical
Animals/Human Poisoning:
Note: When an animal is listed without additional information, the literature (as of 1993) contained no detailed explanation.
Humans
General symptoms of poisoning:
Blistering, mouth, irritation of
Cattle
Horses
Humans
Sheep
General symptoms of poisoning:
Blistering, death.
