Content
- Does the hydrangea belong to the poison plants?
- Hydrangea toxins
- Hydrocyanic glycosides
- Hydrangin, hydrangenol and saponins
- How dangerous is the plant for children and pets?
- Healing effect
- Tips & Tricks
Hydrangeas are only mildly toxic
Does the hydrangea belong to the poison plants?
The rumor persists that the dried leaves and flowers of the hydrangea have an intoxicating effect. Attempting to smoke the plant parts is not without its dangers, as hydrangea, like some other ornamental plants, contains highly toxic cyanogenic compounds. You will recognize this by the typical bitter almond aroma, which you can perceive when you grate a piece of hydrangea between your fingers.
Hydrangea toxins
The hydrangea contains various toxins in a relatively weak concentration:
Hydrocyanic glycosides
All plant parts of Hydrangea contain hydrocyanic acid in different concentrations. This substance destroys the red blood cells, so that no more oxygen is transported. At high doses, it triggers convulsions and suffocation attacks. In the worst case, it can lead to death from heart failure.
Hydrangin, hydrangenol and saponins
These toxins are contained in particular in the leaves and flower buds of the hydrangea. The active ingredients cause when ingested in large quantities anxiety and dizziness. In addition, they trigger contact allergies in sensitive people.
How dangerous is the plant for children and pets?
The concentration of toxins in all parts of the plant is relatively low, so that hydrangeas planted as ornamental shrubs are rather harmless. Since the leaves and flowers taste bitter while chewing, even children are not at risk.
Healing effect
It is interesting that the hydrangea is considered in her original home as a valuable medicinal plant. There, the root is used as a remedy for bladder and stone diseases as well as for cystitis and discomfort of the prostate. Also in homeopathy a mother tincture with the active ingredient of hydrangea is used.
Tips & Tricks
Despite the relatively low concentration of toxins in the hydrangea, you should make sure, as with all plants, that little children playing in the garden do not nibble on the hydrangea. If your child or pet has inadvertently consumed parts of plants, it is advisable to seek the home or veterinarian as a precaution.