Fruit
Mezereon
Daphne mezereum L. · February daphne, mezereum · Polish: Wawrzynek wilczełyko
Deadly poisonous Partially protected
How to identify it
- A shrub that flowers very early (February–April, most often in March), before the leaves open.
- Flowers pink (rarely white), fragrant.
- Berries in clusters of three (as the flowers were before them), bright red when ripe.
Where it grows
Shady broadleaved and mixed woodland and scrub throughout Poland.
What not to confuse it with
Lingonberry Edible
Foresters point out a certain resemblance between the red lingonberries and the very poisonous berries of mezereon.
Frequently asked questions
What can Mezereon be confused with?
Lingonberry: Foresters point out a certain resemblance between the red lingonberries and the very poisonous berries of mezereon.
Is Mezereon a protected species?
Yes, it is partially protected under the Polish regulation on the protection of plant species (rozporządzenie w sprawie ochrony gatunkowej roślin, Dz.U. 2014 poz. 1409).
Sources
- Wikipedia: Wawrzynek wilczełyko
- pacjent.gov.pl: Co robić w przypadku zatrucia (20.04.2022)
- Nadleśnictwo Przedborów (Lasy Państwowe): ABC zbieracza (07.08.2018)
- Rozporządzenie Ministra Środowiska z 9 października 2014 r. w sprawie ochrony gatunkowej roślin (Dz.U. 2014 poz. 1409)
Last checked: 9 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Write to us.