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Taxon  Report  
Cestrum parqui  L'Hér.
Chilean jessamine
Cestrum parqui is a tree that is not native to California.
There is a high risk of this plant becoming invasive in California according to Cal-IPC.
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Observation Search
~59 records in California
redone or more occurrences
within a 7.5-minute quadrangle
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Bloom Period
Genus: Cestrum
Family: Solanaceae  
Category: angiosperm  
PLANTS group:Dicot
Jepson eFlora section: eudicot

Toxicity: Do not eat the leaf or stem of this plant.
Name Status:
Accepted by JEF + PLANTS

Information about  Cestrum parqui from other sources

[Wikipedia] Chile native: Cestrum parqui, commonly known as palqui, green cestrum or willow-leaved jessamine,[1] is a species of flowering plant native to Chile. In Australia the plant is regarded as a noxious invasive weed and a significant hazard to livestock (especially cattle) which may eat it inadvertently or during shortages of other foods, often resulting in death. (contributed by Mary Ann Machi)

[Cal-IPC] Toxicity to livestock & humans: This weed is considered a major problem because of its toxicity to livestock (especially cattle) and poultry which eat green cestrum when there is a shortage of other feed. All parts of the plant material, stems, leaves, berries and even partly burnt roots pose a serious threat to livestock. Death is usually rapid and painful. The plant is also known to be toxic to other livestock and humans (EOL). May cause death and hepatotoxicity in cattle (Cestrum parqui (green cestrum) poisoning in cattle). Green cestrum (Cestrum parqui) grows vigorously and has been known to outcompete other vegetation on alluvial floodplains in Queensland. It has also formed reasonably dense infestations along degraded creek-banks and in overgrazed pastures. As it can form extensive stands along the edges of forests and waterways, it replaces indigenous plants in these habitats and prevents their regeneration. The roots, stems, leaves and fruit of green cestrum (Cestrum parqui) are very toxic to livestock, domestic animals and humans, and stock losses have been reported (Weeds of Australia). Where it occurs in grazing land the value of the land would be affected (Victorian Invasive Plants). (contributed by Mary Ann Machi)


Suggested Citation
Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation, with data contributed by public and private institutions and individuals. [web application]. 2024. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization]. Available: https://www.calflora.org/   (Accessed: 04/30/2024).