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How to Grow Poison Wood

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Poison Wood

Metopium toxiferum

tree

Poison Wood is a tropical tree native to southern Florida and the Caribbean that produces a highly toxic sap capable of causing severe allergic reactions similar to poison ivy. The tree features glossy compound leaves, small yellowish flowers, and distinctive orange to red drupes. It is generally avoided in cultivation due to its extreme toxicity to human skin and is primarily encountered in wild tropical ecosystems.

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Example Poison Wood timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Poison Wood

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Poison Wood

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Poison Wood dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily
💧
Water: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established. Water during dry periods but allow soil to dry somewhat between waterings.
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Spacing: 240 inches
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Days to maturity: 2-3 years to significant size
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Planting depth: Same depth as root ball for transplants; seeds planted 0.5 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or calcareous soil
pH: 6.5-7.5
Amendments:
Perlite Coarse sand Limestone (in acidic soils)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 10b-11, tropical and subtropical regions only

10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

4-8 weeks

Small plant with simple to compound leaflets emerging, typically 2-4 inches tall

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bright indirect light; handle with extreme caution and gloves

2

Juvenile

6-18 months

Developing compound leaves on woody stems; plant reaches 1-3 feet in height

Gradually acclimate to full sun; establish regular watering schedule; wear protective gear during any handling or pruning

3

Vegetative Growth

1-3 years

Robust branching structure with full glossy compound foliage; tree 3-20 feet depending on conditions

Minimal pruning recommended; avoid wounding the tree; maintain distance from human activity areas due to toxicity

4

Flowering

2-4 months

Small, inconspicuous yellowish flowers appear in clusters; minimal ornamental value

No special care needed; allow natural pollination by insects and wind; maintain distance during handling

5

Fruiting

2-3 months

Orange to red drupes develop from flowers; approximately 0.5 inches in diameter

Do not touch or consume fruit; extremely toxic; allow wildlife to disperse seeds naturally if desired

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Avoid planting near:

All plants in high-traffic or residential areas Children's play areas Edible gardens Areas where skin contact is likely

Common Pests

  • Use horticultural oil spray or insecticidal soap; avoid handling affected branches directly

  • Spray with miticide if infestation is severe; wear full protective equipment during application

Uses

🏠

Wildlife Habitat

Household

In natural tropical ecosystems, Poison Wood provides food and shelter for native wildlife including birds and insects that have evolved resistance to the toxins. The fruit is consumed by frugivorous species. [source]

💊

Traditional Medicine (Historical)

Medicinal

Indigenous peoples of the Caribbean and Florida developed limited traditional uses of the tree for medicinal purposes, though modern use is strongly discouraged due to severe toxicity and allergic reactions. [source]

🎨

Wood and Botanical Study

Craft

The wood has been used historically in tropical regions for various applications; primarily of interest to botanists and toxicologists studying urushiol compounds and allergic plant defenses. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not recommended for harvest due to extreme toxicity. The tree is best left undisturbed in natural settings. If removal becomes necessary, hire professional arborists trained in handling toxic plants and use complete protective equipment (gloves, eye protection, clothing coverage).

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Poison Wood produces urushiol, the same toxic compound found in poison ivy and poison oak, making it one of the most allergenic plants in North America.
  • 🌱 The toxin is present in all parts of the tree—sap, leaves, fruit, bark, and roots—and can remain active even after the plant is dead or dried.
  • 🌱 In the Caribbean, the tree is sometimes called 'Poison Tree' or 'Poisonwood' and is widely avoided; incidents of severe dermatitis from casual contact are well-documented.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Pollination
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