Mezereon

Mezereon Plant

Mezereon (Daphne mezereum) is the common name for this toxic flowering shrub native to western Asia and all across the European landscape. Mezereon normally grows in limestone rich areas, and stays in higher elevation in the southern parts of the European continent.

The Mezereon grows to about 1.5 m tall and is a deciduous plant. Their leaves are longer than wide, reaching lengths of about 6 cm and widths of 2 cm.

Mezereon Flowers

The flowers of the Mezereon plant appear on the branches before the leaves being to grow, starting early on in spring. The colors range from a light pink to purple. They also have a very strong fragrance. This scent carries small portions of Daphnetoxin as well. The outer portions of the flower, or the perianth, grow to about 1 - 1.5 cm wide.

Mezereon Fruit

Like all plant species in the Daphne genus, the berries of the Mezereon are rich with Daphnetoxin, making them poisonous. Handling the plant without gloves will most likely result in a rash and a choking sensation after prolonged exposure. The berries themselves are about 1 cm or less in size and are a bright red color.