Content
- Beware: snowberries are slightly poisonous!
- Snowberries contain toxins
- In case of more than ten berries initiate detoxification
- Beware of small children, rodents and horses
- Tips
Bright peas are slightly poisonous
Beware: snowberries are slightly poisonous!
The Schneebeere, also called Knallerbse, is often found wild at forest edges and in parks. When planting the easy-care shrubs in the garden, however, parents should be careful: the berries are slightly poisonous.
Snowberries contain toxins
The fruits of the snowberry are slightly poisonous. They contain saponins and other unspecified substances that can be harmful to humans and some animals, such as horses.
The berries should not be cracked with bare hands, as the plant juices can cause skin irritation in sensitive people and children.
If snowberries are eaten, a maximum of four berries are considered harmless. Larger quantities trigger nausea and diarrhea. The saponins are also suspected of attacking the gastric mucosa.
In case of more than ten berries initiate detoxification
The Information Center against Poisoning recommends initiating poisoning after taking ten or more berries:
Beware of small children, rodents and horses
Children love snow berries, because the mostly white berries make a loud bang when they are cracked or thrown on the floor. This has also given them the name Knallerbse.
As much fun as the bang will cause, with small children parents have to be vigilant when banger is on the property or within reach. Children should be strictly prevented from eating the berries or cracking them with their hands.
Even for some rodents like hamsters and rabbits, snowberries are poisonous. In horses, the enjoyment can cause stomach problems.
Tips
The fruits of the snowberry are often accepted by numerous species of birds. In natural gardens and natural hedges, the decorative shrubs should not be missed.