Virginia Creeper and Wisteria: Pretty But Poisonous

Where are Virginia creepers and wisteria commonly found?

Virginia creeper is a decorative ivy native to eastern and central North America. It is grown elsewhere as an ornamental plant because of its attractive foliage. It has small leaves that grow in groups of 5. It is sometimes confused with poison ivy, which has leaflets that grow in groups of 3. 

Wisteria is a climbing vine that produces clusters of hanging, fragrant, blue, or purple flowers. Wisteria seeds are contained in hanging, velvety seed pods. While it probably originated in Asia, it is now a widely used ornamental plant.

Are they poisonous?

The berries of the Virginia creeper resemble purple grapes and contain tiny crystals called oxalate crystals. These crystals are also in the leaves. If the leaves or berries are chewed, they can cause irritation to the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. Although rare, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty swallowing have been reported after swallowing plants with oxalate crystals. The symptoms generally develop quickly and can last for up to half a day.

Wisteria seed pods and seeds are considered the most toxic parts of the plant, but all parts contain the harmful chemicals lectin and wisterin, which can cause a burning sensation in the mouth, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea if swallowed. These symptoms can last for up to 2 days once they develop.

Treatments for poisoning

• If someone is unintentionally exposed to Virginia creeper or wisteria, you can help them by following these steps:
  Gently wipe out their mouth.
• Have them rinse with water and spit to remove plant material from their mouth.
• They can drink a few small sips of water to rinse the remaining material into their stomach.
• If their mouth is irritated, sucking on ice chips or frozen treats might relieve pain.
• If they are experiencing nausea or vomiting, keep them hydrated with frequent small sips of clear fluids.

If you suspect someone has been exposed to Virginia creeper or wisteria and is having a problem, check the webPOISONCONTROL online tool for guidance or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Lindsy Liu, PharmD
Certified Specialist in Poison Information

Revised William G. Troutman, PharmD
Professor of Pharmacy Emeritus