Mezereon in Polissia
Daphne mezereum
Caution: all parts are highly poisonous, especially the berries
Mezereon is a small shrub up to a metre tall with flexible branches. In early spring, before the leaves appear, the branches are covered with fragrant pinkish-lilac flowers that sit directly on the bark. In summer bright red, juicy berries appear in place of the flowers.
The shrub grows in shady broadleaved and mixed forests on fertile soils, in alder woods and hornbeam forests. In Polissia it occurs scattered, mainly in broadleaved forests.
Mezereon is among the first plants to flower in the forest, and its flowers are visited by the first bumblebees and butterflies. Birds eat the berries without harm and spread the seeds.
The whole plant is highly poisonous. A few berries can cause severe poisoning, especially in children, and the sap and bark irritate the skin. Explain to children that red berries in the forest must not be tasted, and do not break off flowering branches for bouquets.
When to see: flowers in March–April; berries in June–August
Where it was seen in Polissia
Observations from the open scientific database GBIF since 1990.
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