Most dogwoods are slightly poisonous

Content

• Most dogwoods are slightly poisonous
• Especially leaves, bark and roots contain toxins
• The fruits of some dogwood species are edible
• Tips

The fruits of some dogwood varieties may e.g. to be processed into jam

Most dogwoods are slightly poisonous

Under the name dogwood (Cornus) or hornbeam a widespread on the northern hemisphere of the earth plant genus with about 55 different species. These are shrubs or small trees, some of which - u. a. Cornus (Cornus mas) and red dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) - are also native to us. Most species are slightly toxic to both humans and animals, but in some cases, the fruit can also be made into jam or fruit juice.

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Especially leaves, bark and roots contain toxins

The toxicity of the various types of dogwood is quite different, most of which are only slightly toxic and thus can cause only minor symptoms of poisoning in the case of the case. Sensitive people and children may react with irritation or rashes on contact with various parts of the plant, as the toxins accumulate above all in the leaves, the bark and the roots. Inadvertent consumption of these parts may cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. On the other hand, smaller pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs or cats are much more at risk, for which most dogwoods can have deadly consequences.

The fruits of some dogwood species are edible

In general, the fruits of the dogwood are not poisonous (only in some species), at least in the raw state undrinkable. They taste very sour and therefore they probably will not be eaten anyway in large quantities anyway. Only birds and wild animals find the drupes very tasty, so that the dogwood is an important food source for these species. The fruits of the Red Dogwood and the Cornelian Cherry can also be eaten by humans in the cooked state (ie processed into jam or fruit juice). They contain a lot of vitamin C.

Tips

Also, the raspberry-like fruits of the Japanese flower harlequin (Cornus kousa) or Chinese flower harlequin (Cornus kousa var. Chinensis) should also be - cooked - edible.