Content
Boxwood is highly toxic - even for cats
Caution: Boxwood is poisonous to humans and animals
However popular the evergreen boxwood is, all of its plant parts are highly toxic to both humans and animals.
toxins
All parts of the boxwood are highly poisonous: from roots to leaves, flowers, fruits and wood, the plant contains over 70 different alkaloids. The highest concentrations of poison are found in the leaves and in the bark, where the alkaloid content is up to three percent. Also, the flowers and fruits are considered highly toxic. The main active substance is cyclobuxin (buxin).
symptoms
By mere contact, poisoning is only possible in the case of very sensitive persons, for example by coming into contact with plant juices during pruning and reacting with skin irritation. Therefore, experts recommend that you always wear gardening gloves and thoroughly clean tools during such activities. In case of consumption of parts of the boxwood, however, depending on the amount of plant parts, severe symptoms of intoxication may occur, which may even be fatal. However, Buchs tastes very bitter, which is why the consumption of larger quantities is unlikely.
human
A boxwood poisoning in humans manifests itself among other things by the following symptoms:
Useful first aid measures: administering medical charcoal to bind the poison in the body as well as drinking plenty of water. Do not give the affected person any milk to drink and do not induce vomiting! However, plant remains in the mouth should be spat out immediately.
animal
For animals, the same symptoms and first aid measures apply as for humans. However, the deadly doses are lower here: for dogs weighing up to 30 kilograms, 150 grams are fatal, for a cat even only 20 grams. Small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and Co. almost always suffer a deadly poisoning.
Tips
For many centuries Buchs was also used in medicine. However, the plant is considered to be difficult to dose, which is why should be foreseen from a use as a medicinal plant.