Virginia Creeper and Wisteria: Pretty But Poisonous

father and daughter looking at wisteria vines

The Bottom Line

Although they are pretty, Virginia creeper and wisteria can be harmful if they are chewed or swallowed. Both plants can cause mouth pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and should not be eaten.

virginia creeper leaves and berries

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

Poisoned?

Call 1-800-222-1222 or

HELP ME online

Prevention Tips

  • Identify all plants in your home and yard before an exposure happens.
  • Let your children know that no part of a plant should be eaten.
  • When handling Virginia creeper, cover as much skin as you can to limit skin exposure to oxalate crystals.

This Really Happened

Case 1. A 3-year-old girl was found chewing on berries from a Virginia creeper. She spit them out, and she had her mouth rinsed out and was given a snack. She did not develop any symptoms.

Case 2. In a contest to see who could eat the most wisteria seeds, twin 13-year-old boys ate wisteria seed pods, flowers, and seeds from a wisteria plant in a friend's yard. Within 30 minutes they experienced vomiting, dry heaving, and excessive sweating. They were admitted to a hospital and treated with anti-nausea medication and intravenous fluids. Overnight, they continued to experience vomiting and diarrhea. They both recovered about a day after the exposure.


For More Information

Guide to poisonous plants: Virginia creeper, woodbine. Colorado State University. Accessed April 16, 2025.

Plant fact sheet: Virginia creeper. US Department of Agriculture. February 5, 2002. Accessed April 16, 2025.

Poisonous and non-poisonous plants: an illustrated list. National Capital Poison Center. Accessed April 19, 2025.


References

Crevani M, Petrolini VM, Lonati D, et al. Poisoning due to wisteria seed ingestion: the Pavia Poison Centre case series [abstract]. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2005;53(4):346-347.

Kim D, Park J, Kim YM, Tchah H. Acute intoxication due to Wisteria floribunda seed in seven young children. Pediatr Int. 2017;59(5):600-603.

Rondeau ES. Wisteria toxicity. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1993;31(1):107-112.

Poisoned?

Call 1-800-222-1222 or

HELP ME online

Prevention Tips

  • Identify all plants in your home and yard before an exposure happens.
  • Let your children know that no part of a plant should be eaten.
  • When handling Virginia creeper, cover as much skin as you can to limit skin exposure to oxalate crystals.

This Really Happened

Case 1. A 3-year-old girl was found chewing on berries from a Virginia creeper. She spit them out, and she had her mouth rinsed out and was given a snack. She did not develop any symptoms.

Case 2. In a contest to see who could eat the most wisteria seeds, twin 13-year-old boys ate wisteria seed pods, flowers, and seeds from a wisteria plant in a friend's yard. Within 30 minutes they experienced vomiting, dry heaving, and excessive sweating. They were admitted to a hospital and treated with anti-nausea medication and intravenous fluids. Overnight, they continued to experience vomiting and diarrhea. They both recovered about a day after the exposure.