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How to Grow Poisonwood

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Poisonwood

Metopium toxiferum

tree

Poisonwood is a tropical tree native to southern Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America, known for its highly toxic sap that causes severe dermatitis similar to poison ivy. The tree produces small yellowish flowers and distinctive round, yellowish drupes (fruit), and has compound leaves that turn reddish in fall. It is generally avoided in cultivation due to its extreme toxicity to skin and mucous membranes.

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Example Poisonwood timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Poisonwood

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Poisonwood

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily
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Water: Drought-tolerant once established; prefers moderate water in growing season, minimal supplemental watering in dry seasons
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Spacing: 240 inches
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Days to maturity: 3-5 years to first fruiting
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Planting depth: 1 inch for seeds; transplant at root ball depth

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or rocky soil; tolerates poor, infertile soils common in tropical regions
pH: 5.5-7.5
Amendments:
Minimal amendments needed; prefers naturally poor soils

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 10b-11, requiring frost-free tropical and subtropical climates

10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

6-12 months

Small seedlings with initial compound leaves, slow initial growth

Protect from frost; maintain moderate moisture; avoid handling without gloves; grow in containers before field planting

2

Juvenile

1-2 years

Young tree developing branching structure, compound leaves becoming more prominent

Establish deep watering schedule; avoid pruning if possible; maintain safe distance from human activity; wear protective equipment if handling

3

Vegetative Growth

1-2 years

Tree establishing strong trunk and canopy, leaves dark green with reddish tints

Minimal intervention; tree is very hardy and drought-tolerant; allow natural form to develop

4

Flowering

4-6 weeks

Small yellowish flowers appear in clusters along branches

No special care needed; flowering occurs in spring; minimal flower production in stressed trees

5

Fruiting & Maturity

Ongoing after maturity

Distinctive round, yellowish drupes develop; tree reaches mature size of 25-40 feet

Do not handle fruit; use extreme caution around mature trees; fruits attract wildlife; never touch any part with bare skin

Companion Planting

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Avoid planting near:

All edible plants Herbs for culinary use Areas of human activity Children's play areas Livestock grazing areas

Common Pests

  • Monitor and treat with horticultural oil if severe; generally not a significant problem on established trees

  • Improve air circulation; remove affected leaves; fungicide application rarely necessary

Uses

🦋

Native Habitat & Food Source

Wildlife

Poisonwood provides food and shelter for native tropical wildlife including birds and insects that have evolved resistance to its toxins. The fruit is consumed by various bird species in its native range. [source]

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Landscape Warning/Educational Value

Household

In its native habitat in southern Florida and the Keys, poisonwood serves as an important indicator species and ecological component, though it requires clear labeling and protective fencing in human-accessible areas for safety purposes. [source]

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Traditional Medicine (External Use Only - Extreme Caution)

Medicinal

In some traditional Caribbean medicine, extremely minute quantities of poisonwood compounds were historically used in external preparations, though this practice is now considered extremely dangerous and is not recommended without expert knowledge and extreme protective measures. [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. The entire plant is toxic. Fruits, sap, leaves, bark, and roots all contain urushiol oil. Do not attempt to harvest, prune, or handle without extreme protective equipment (heavy rubber gloves, full-body coverage, eye protection). Even smoke from burning the wood is toxic. Contact with skin causes severe blistering dermatitis; contact with eyes or mucous membranes can cause blindness or severe internal burns.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Poisonwood contains urushiol oil, the same toxic compound found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac; a single drop can affect an area the size of a football field
  • 🌱 Even smoke from burning poisonwood wood is toxic and can cause severe respiratory damage and temporary blindness
  • 🌱 Poisonwood is so hazardous that it is often removed from public lands and conservation areas in Florida to protect human safety

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun
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