species 4,607 observations

Coyotillo

Karwinskia humboldtiana

Field notes

Karwinskia humboldtiana, commonly known as coyotillo, cacachila or Humboldt coyotillo, is a species of flowering shrub or small tree in the family Rhamnaceae. It is native to southern and western Texas in the United States as well as much of Mexico. The seeds and leaves of this plant contain the quinones eleutherin and 7-methoxyeleutherin and chrysophanol and β-amyrin in the fruits that are toxic to humans and livestock.

The toxins typically induce an ascending paralysis, which is often followed by death. However, it often takes days or even weeks after consumption for the symptoms to manifest. Symptoms are similar to those of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

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Supports All

5 native animals
supported in the US

Range

United States

Greener is more native, amber more introduced; paler is less certain. How this was decided

Key traits

Layer
Trees
Moisture
Dry
Water use
Low

From USDA PLANTS and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.