Species library · Plants & herbs

Ombu Tree: poisonous

Phytolacca dioica

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

Ombu Tree 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 July to March in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Poisonous
Ombu Tree (Phytolacca dioica)

Photo: (c) Romi Galeota Lencina, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Romi Galeota Lencina · iNaturalist

When Ombu Tree appears

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

Where it grows

Ombu Tree is usually found in Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows.

⚠ Look-alikes

American pokeweed☠ toxic

Look up Ombu Tree in the app

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

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Ombu Tree: common questions

Is Ombu Tree poisonous?

Yes. Ombu Tree 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 Ombu Tree appear?

Ombu Tree usually appears from July to March in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Ombu Tree grow?

Ombu Tree is usually found in Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows.

What can Ombu Tree be confused with?

Toxic look-alikes: American pokeweed. Only a confident identification tells them apart. When in doubt, have a find checked by an expert.

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