Both the delphinium species Delphinium belladonna and Delphinium elatum, which are often found in the field and in gardens, are highly poisonous, with the seeds contained in the follicles being particularly dangerous. In principle, however, all parts of the delphinium are considered poisonous.
Is delphinium poisonous?
The delphinium is poisonous, especially the seeds in the follicles, but also all other parts of the plant. The alkaloids in the plant can cause serious poisoning symptoms in children and animals, so contact should be avoided.
Poisonous Plant of the Year 2015
Since 2004, the Special Botanical Garden in Hamburg-Wandsbek has chosen the “Poisonous Plant of the Year” every year in order, according to the idea behind the campaign, to draw attention to the danger posed by poisonous plants in home gardens. In 2015, the buttercup plant delphinium received the title because its toxins, which are very similar to those of monkshood, endanger children and animals in particular.
Dark spur is particularly dangerous for children and animals
In particular, the garden or field delphinium (Consolida ajacis) and the tall delphinium (Delphinium elatum) contain high proportions of toxic alkaloids, especially diterpenoids (especially methyllycaconitine). These are mostly contained in the seeds, but also in all other parts of the plant. Mere skin contact usually has no effect; only very sensitive people can develop skin rashes. Children and animals should be kept away from delphiniums and must not eat any parts of the plant - especially the fruits with the seeds.swallowed.
Used as medicine in ancient times
In particular, field and field delphiniums, which used to be very common, were used as medicinal plants (e.g. against stomach cramps) in the Middle Ages and early modern times. Delphinium staphisagria, the “sharp delphinium”, is still used in homeopathy today. However, the actual healing power of the plant has not yet been proven, but its toxicity is all the more well documented.
Effects of poisoning
Poisoning with delphinium is manifested, depending on the severity, by numbness in the tongue and limbs, tingling in the hands and feet and skin rashes through to stomach cramps with vomiting and diarrhea. Movement disorders and nervousness are also typical. The toxins can attack the muscles, especially the heart muscles, and cause a slow heart and breathing rate.
Tips & Tricks
When cutting the delphinium, wear gloves if possible (€9.00 on Amazon) to protect yourself from the poisonous plant sap.