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Poisonous? Please help!

ellieloughlinellieloughlin Posts: 19
in Plants


Hi all, my husband just cooked dinner and mistook it for our bay plant! He put 3 small leaves in the pot. Can you confirm what it is and whether I need to be worried? It has red berries in winter. I'm 37 weeks pregnant, but only ate 2 forks before spotting his mistake.

Is it japonica maybe?

Thank you
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Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,166
    Skimmia I think, no idea re toxicity though
    Bay doesn't have red berries


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • ellieloughlinellieloughlin Posts: 19
    I know it isn't bay, the bay tree is elsewhere!

    If anyone knows the toxicity of the leaves that would be great. 
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,166
    Have you tried googling skimmia toxicity? 


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • ellieloughlinellieloughlin Posts: 19
    Yes. I think it is just the berries that are toxic, but getting mixed results. I'm sure it's fine but pregnancy paranoia is overwhelming! 
  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,234
    It's probably not the best thing to eat but to be honest no matter what we say is only our opinion and you will worry anyway.
    If you are the least bit concerned go and get checked out even if it's just for a bit of reassurance.
    You know you won't sleep otherwise.  ;)  :)
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,166
    PP's advice is good


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • ellieloughlinellieloughlin Posts: 19
    I was mainly hoping to check I've identified the plant correctly
  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,234
    Yes it's Skimmia japonica and there is a mountain of information out there. 
    I would say...chances are you'll be fine but come 2.00 in the morning when you're up chewing the duvet......your blood pressure definitely won't. 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,989
    According to the website below Skimmia is non-toxic  :D

    https://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.skimmia-japonica/vid.229/

    but if worrying about it is going to give you sleepless nights you could ring NHS Direct 111 or speak to your midwife. 



    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,077
    Have just checked my Poison Garden website plus others ; Skimmia berries can cause a mild stomach upset , but the foliage gets the All Clear ; GET CHECKED if in doubt .
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