Whether false jasmine, also known as farmer's jasmine or fragrant jasmine, is poisonous cannot be seen from the outside. Caution is therefore advised when planting and caring for them. This is especially true when children and animals use the garden.
Is false jasmine poisonous to people and animals?
False jasmine, also called farmer's jasmine or fragrant jasmine, can be poisonous because it contains essential oils. Avoid eating the plant parts and wear gloves when cutting to prevent skin irritation and inflammation.
False jasmine contains essential oils
Originally, pipe bushes, as false jasmine is also known, were not poisonous. However, through numerous crosses, many varieties with excessively high concentrations of toxins were bred.
Some varieties of false jasmine have strongly scented flowers. This alone indicates that the shrub contains essential oils. False jasmine must therefore not be eaten. This also applies to the flowers and the inconspicuous fruits.
When cutting false jasmine, you should always wear gloves, as the plant sap can cause irritation and inflammation even if it comes into contact with the skin.
Tip
In the past, a variant of the popular jasmine tea was made from the flowers of false jasmine. Today this is no longer advisable because of the toxins it may contain.
