Species library · Plants & herbs

California Manroot: poisonous

Marah fabacea

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

California Manroot 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 June to August in the northern hemisphere. Found in Scrub & hedgerows, Woodland edges, Disturbed ground.

☠ Poisonous
California Manroot (Marah fabacea)

Photo: (c) Peter Quakenbush, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Peter Quakenbush · iNaturalist

When California Manroot appears

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

Where it grows

California Manroot is usually found in Scrub & hedgerows, Woodland edges, Disturbed ground.

Look up California Manroot in the app

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

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California Manroot: common questions

Is California Manroot poisonous?

Yes. California Manroot 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 California Manroot appear?

California Manroot usually appears from June to August in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does California Manroot grow?

California Manroot is usually found in Scrub & hedgerows, Woodland edges, Disturbed ground.

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