Hyacinths are among the ornamental plants that are not entirely harmless to humans. Swallowing large amounts of flowers or leaves can cause real problems, especially for children. Make sure that small children do not get their hands on the plant.
Are hyacinths poisonous to humans?
Hyacinths are poisonous to people in large quantities, especially children. The plant contains salicylic acid, calcium oxalate and saponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting, kidney damage and paralysis. In case of poisoning, it is advisable to drink plenty of water or seek medical help.
Poisonous ingredients of hyacinth
| Poison | Plant parts | Symptoms mild | Severe symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salicylic acid | Leaves and flower stems | Nausea – Vomiting | Kidney damage, symptoms of paralysis |
| Calcium oxalate | Onions | Nausea – Vomiting | Kidney damage – symptoms of paralysis |
| Saponins | Onion seeds | Skin Irritation | Inflammation – Eczema |
First aid after poisoning by hyacinth
If you have only consumed small amounts of the plant, you will hardly experience any discomfort. The poisonous effects of the plant only become apparent when consumed in large quantities.
If you accidentally swallow the flowers or leaves of the hyacinth, drink plenty of clear, cold, non-carbonated water to dilute the poison concentration.
If large amounts of hyacinth have been ingested or the victim is a smaller child, to be on the safe side, call your family doctor or the poison control center in your area.
Skin damage caused by “hyacinth scabies”
Calcium oxalate, like all s alts, has sharp edges. When it comes into contact with the skin, the s alt can tear and damage the skin. Some people also react allergically to the saponins. Inflammation and eczema can result.
Therefore, always wear gloves (€9.00 on Amazon) when caring for the hyacinth or planting the tubers.
Tips & Tricks
While accidentally swallowing parts of the hyacinth rarely leads to serious symptoms of poisoning in humans, the situation is different for animals. Cats in particular are at risk. Make sure that your four-legged friends do not come into contact with tubers, flowers or leaves.
