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Identification and Control of Coral Ardisia (Ardisia crenata): A Potentially Toxic Plant

B. A. Sellers, S. F. Enloe, Patrick Minogue, and J. Walter


Release Date: 9/16/2024

Agriculture

Abstract

Coral ardisia, also known as coral berry, spice berry, and scratchthroat, was introduced to Florida in the early 1900's for ornamental purposes. Since then, it has escaped cultivation, and it is found in hardwood hammocks and other moist, natural-wooded areas and grazing lands. Although there is no published literature supporting the theory that coral ardisia is toxic, it is suspected that the berries and/or foliage are poisonous to livestock, pets, and humans.

About this Publication

This document is SS AGR 276, one of a series of the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy. Original publication date July 2007. Revised November 2013, December 2017, and May 2024. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication. © 2026 UF/IFAS. This publication is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 

About the Authors

B. A. Sellers, associate professor and associate director, UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center; S. F. Enloe, associate professor, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants; Patrick Minogue, associate professor, UF/IFAS North Florida REC; and J. Walter, UF/IFAS Extension livestock/crops agent, UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Authors

Joseph Walter
Joseph Walter

emeritus program county Extension agent III, M.S., livestock/crops, UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County

Brent Sellers
Brent Sellers
Specialist
University of Florida

center director and professor, Department of Agronomy, UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center, Ona, FL

Stephen Enloe
Stephen Enloe
Specialist
University of Florida

professor, aquatic and invasive plant management, Department of Agronomy, and Extension specialist, UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants

Patrick Minogue
Patrick Minogue
Specialist
University of Florida

associate professor of silviculture, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, Quincy, FL

Publication #SS AGR 276

Ardisia crenata