In nature, strong colors such as red and orange are often an alarm signal: “Be careful, poisonous!” Such tones signal and thus protect the wearer from being eaten. Of course, this also applies to the trumpet flower, whose striking red, yellow or orange flowers are as beautiful as they are poisonous.
Is the climbing trumpet poisonous?
The climbing trumpet (Campsis) is poisonous, affecting all parts of the plant, especially fruits and seeds. Skin irritation may occur on contact, and if swallowed it may cause vomiting diarrhea. Confusion with the more poisonous angel's trumpet (Brugmansia) is possible.
Climbing trumpet can cause skin irritation
By the way, it's not the flowers that are poisonous, but all parts of the plant - especially the fruits and seeds. However, there is little agreement about how poisonous the plant actually is. Basically, the climbing trumpet is considered so poisonous that it causes skin irritation upon contact and vomiting diarrhea if swallowed.
Danger of confusion: trumpet flower and angel trumpet are not the same thing
The trumpet flower, also known as the climbing trumpet, is often confused with the highly poisonous angel's trumpet. However, the two plants are not related to each other, because the trumpet flower (Campsis) belongs to the trumpet tree family, while the much more dangerous angel's trumpet (Brugmansia) is a nightshade family.
Tip
When planting and cutting the climbing trumpet, use gloves if possible (€9.00 on Amazon) to avoid painful rashes and other skin irritations.
