The evergreen cherry laurel decorates many home gardens and is one of the most popular hedge plants. What many people don't know, however, is that all parts of the tree are highly poisonous. For this reason, the laurel cherry was voted poisonous plant of the year in 2013.
Is the cherry laurel poisonous?
All parts of the cherry laurel are poisonous because they contain glycosides, which are converted into highly toxic hydrogen cyanide in the stomach. The sweet-tasting fruits are particularly dangerous, as their seeds can be fatal to children and animals.
Eating berries can be fatal for children
The cherry laurel contains glycosides in the leaves, flowers and seeds of the fruit. After being chewed and swallowed, they are converted into highly toxic hydrogen cyanide in the stomach. The glycosides taste very bitter. Children who eat cherry laurel leaves usually spit them out again. A far greater risk of poisoning comes from the fruits, which taste aromatically sweet with only a slightly bitter aftertaste. Just ten chewed laurel kernels can be fatal to a child. In adults, the dose increases to around fifty seeds.
The symptoms of poisoning
You can recognize hydrogen cyanide poisoning by these symptoms:
- crimson face
- unpleasant scratchy throat
- Headache
- Stomachache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heart racing
- Vertigo
- Unconsciousness
As with all poisonings, not all symptoms always appear at the same time. Therefore, if you have the slightest suspicion of intoxication, seek medical treatment.
Pet owners beware
Cherry laurel is also poisonous to horses, cattle, cows, pigs, dogs, cats and small animals. You can recognize the poisoning in your four-legged friend by increased salivation, irritation of the mucous membranes, stomach and intestinal problems as well as breathing problems and even respiratory paralysis. If your pet shows these symptoms and you suspect that it has eaten cherry laurel, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.
In their homeland, the cherry laurel is considered a delicacy
Dried or cooked, the laurel cherry is edible and non-toxic due to the decomposition of the toxins. The fruits are highly valued as a speci alty in Turkey. However, due to their toxicity, it is better to leave the processing of the berries to the professionals.
Tips & Tricks
Because of their high hydrogen cyanide content, the leaves of the laurel cherry are used to soften and soften organic materials. This process is environmentally friendly because it does not cause water damage and is used particularly in restoration.
