Content
- How poisonous is the honeysuckle?
- Slightly toxic - the dose makes the poison
- Symptoms of poisoning
- Especially the berries are tempting ...
- Tips & Tricks
The honeysuckle is slightly poisonous and very bitter
How poisonous is the honeysuckle?
Honeysuckle is no longer a home in the great outdoors these days. Many gardeners have brought this climbing plant into its own green paradise. But can one be completely unconcerned or is this plant poisonous?
Previous article honeysuckle - prone to disease?Slightly toxic - the dose makes the poison
This plant, which comes from the honeysuckle family, is slightly toxic. This applies to all types. Both humans and animals such as dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs and horses are at risk.
On the other hand, birds can eat from the berries without having to succumb to poisoning symptoms. When they eat the berries, they do not chew the poisonous seeds, but excrete them again. Most of the toxins are in the seeds! They are mainly alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides that cause the toxic effect.
Symptoms of poisoning
Those who eat 2 berries usually do not have to expect any symptoms. From a consumption of 5 berries vomiting, pain in the chest and slight fever may occur. From a quantity of 30 berries it gets much more uncomfortable:
Especially the berries are tempting ...
Although the leaves and flowers are also poisonous, the red berries are the most dangerous. Children are the most likely to nibble on them because they are reminiscent of currants. But do not panic: the berries taste bitter and usually children eat no more than 2 pieces.
Tips & Tricks
Not only internally, the honeysuckle is poisonous. In sensitive people, the external handling of it can lead to allergic reactions. Therefore, as a precaution, you should wear gardening gloves when cutting this climbing plant.