The fruits of the common beech, called beechnuts, contain small amounts of toxins. This poses a particular danger to people, horses and cattle. Forest animals, on the other hand, feed on the oil-containing fruits in winter.
Are European beeches poisonous to people or animals?
Beechnuts, the fruits of the common beech tree, contain small amounts of toxins, namely fagin and oxalic acid. These substances can cause mild poisoning in humans, horses and cattle. However, forest animals are insensitive and use beechnuts as a source of food in winter.
What toxins do beechnuts contain?
The toxins contained in beechnuts are fagin and oxalic acid. Both substances cause mild symptoms of poisoning in people, which manifest themselves as nausea.
By heating or roasting the beechnuts, the toxins are neutralized and the fruits are safe to eat. They also take on flavor when heated.
The nuts contain a lot of oil. They are therefore a good source of food in winter for wild animals such as deer, stags, wild boars, birds and squirrels.
Tip
If copper beeches are next to horse pastures, animal owners must be careful that the horses do not eat beechnuts in autumn. Horses and cattle can become seriously ill if consumed.
