Most gardeners know the elf flower as a long-lasting ground cover for locations where only a few plants otherwise thrive. But is it completely safe or should you take precautions when handling it?
Is the elf flower poisonous?
The elf flower is slightly poisonous because its plant parts contain bitter substances that can cause symptoms of poisoning if consumed in excess. However, young plant parts of some varieties can be eaten when cooked, as most of the toxins evaporate when heated.
Slightly poisonous but still edible
The elf flower belongs to the Berberidaceae family and its plant parts contain bitter substances that can cause symptoms of poisoning if consumed in excess. Nevertheless, in some countries the young plant parts of the Epimedium grandiflorum and Epimedium sagittatum varieties are eaten cooked. When heated, most mildly toxic ingredients evaporate.
Depending on the variety, the easy-care elf flower can be recognized by the following features:
- red leaves in the bud
- later dark green foliage
- Growth height: 20 to 35 cm
- Flowering period: April to May
- red, yellow or white flowers depending on the variety
Tip
Although the elf flower contains toxins, it is not immune to pest damage, for example by snails or the black weevil.