Species library · Plants & herbs

Birthwort: poisonous

Aristolochia clematitis

☠ Poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Birthwort is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from May to September in the northern hemisphere. Found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges.

☠ Poisonous
Birthwort (Aristolochia clematitis)

Photo: (c) Gilles San Martin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Gilles San Martin · iNaturalist

When Birthwort appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Birthwort is usually found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges.

Look up Birthwort in the app

In the Forage app, Birthwort has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Birthwort: common questions

Is Birthwort poisonous?

Yes. Birthwort is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Birthwort appear?

Birthwort usually appears from May to September in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Birthwort grow?

Birthwort is usually found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits