Common Shrub Poses Deadly Threat to NC Birds

Nandina domestica, known as heavenly bamboo, contains cyanide-laced berries that can kill cedar waxwings and other birds

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A common landscaping shrub called Nandina domestica, or heavenly bamboo, poses a serious threat to birds in North Carolina. The plant's red berries contain cyanide, which can be fatal if eaten in large quantities by birds like the cedar waxwing. Experts recommend removing the plants or at least the berries to protect local bird populations.

Why it matters

Heavenly bamboo is a widespread ornamental plant used in landscaping across North Carolina, putting many birds at risk of cyanide poisoning, especially the cedar waxwing which is known to overindulge on the berries. This issue highlights the need for greater awareness about the dangers of certain non-native plants and the importance of protecting local wildlife.

The details

Nandina domestica, also known as heavenly bamboo, is an invasive shrub originally from Asia that has become common in North Carolina landscaping. The plant produces clusters of red berries during the fall and winter months that are highly attractive to birds searching for food, but these berries contain cyanide which can be deadly if consumed in large quantities. While most bird species will only eat a berry or two without issue, the cedar waxwing is particularly prone to overeating the berries, leading to cyanide poisoning and death.

  • Nandina domestica produces red berries in the fall and winter months.
  • In February 2024, the New Hope Bird Alliance reported receiving multiple reports of dead birds found near heavenly bamboo plants.

The players

Nandina domestica

An invasive shrub, also known as heavenly bamboo, that is commonly used in landscaping and produces red berries containing cyanide that can be fatal to birds.

Cedar waxwings

A species of bird that lives in North Carolina year-round and is particularly prone to overeating the cyanide-containing berries of the heavenly bamboo plant.

New Hope Bird Alliance

A local bird conservation organization that has received reports of dead birds found near heavenly bamboo plants in North Carolina.

Deanna Bigio

A horticulture extension agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension - Wake County Center.

Barbara Driscoll

The co-chair of the bird friendly habitat committee at the New Hope Bird Alliance.

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What they’re saying

“The berries are toxic to all birds — however eaten in smaller quantities the birds will be able to handle the toxicity and it may be a short reaction. For birds which eat a lot of the berries such as cedar waxwings, the toxins will overpower their system and they can die immediately at or near the location where they ingested the berries.”

— Barbara Driscoll, Co-chair of the bird friendly habitat committee, New Hope Bird Alliance (The News & Observer)

“In our locale, cedar waxwings — gorgeous birds that live here all year long — are one of those birds, and their eating habits are such that when they see a bush with lots of red berries or fruit, they descend as a flock and stuff themselves. To them, red plus berry equals yum!”

— Carol Hamilton, President, New Hope Bird Alliance (The News & Observer)

“Most birds will only eat a berry or two, but if you're worried it's better to just get rid of it. Native plant alternatives include American beautyberry, buttonbush, native viburnums or winterberry.”

— Deanna Bigio, Horticulture extension agent, N.C. Cooperative Extension - Wake County Center (The News & Observer)

What’s next

Experts suggest that homeowners take steps to remove heavenly bamboo plants from their landscaping or at least remove the berries to prevent birds from consuming them and potentially dying from cyanide poisoning.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the need for greater public awareness about the dangers of certain non-native ornamental plants, like heavenly bamboo, and the importance of protecting local bird populations by removing these hazardous plants or taking steps to make them less accessible to foraging birds.