Field ManualAll plants

Perlilla

Symphoricarpos microphyllus Kunth

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not stated by our sources (not a clearance). Detail: no toxicity statement. The atlas folk remedy says the chewed leaves are pungent ("picante"), must not be swallowed, and the remedy should not be given to children; that is a folk-use remark, not a toxicity finding

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA index has no page for this species. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Symphoricarpos microphyllus Kunth (UNAM atlas; Kew WCVP gives the full citation as (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Schult.) Kunth), not on the common name.. The UNAM atlas files this plant under the folk name "hierba corriosa", and perlilla ("little pearl") is also a common name for other plants; check the botanical name. Symphoricarpos species elsewhere (snowberry, coralberry) were not read and must not be assumed to share this plant's traits.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: Not checked yet
Light: direct sun or semi-shade (Celaya planting table).
Water needs: Celaya municipal planting schedule (a weak source for plant needs): water every third day while establishing, then weekly. The level is a plain-language reading of the source wording cited. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: MX: UNAM atlas: shrub 1 to 3 m (about 3 to 10 ft) tall; MX Celaya table: Celaya planting table: 1.0 m to 3.0 m tall, crown 1.5 m

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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