The fruits of the snowballs are inedible or slightly poisonous. Consuming them leads to digestive problems such as nausea, stomach pain or vomiting and diarrhea. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount consumed and the sensitivity of the person affected.
Is the viburnum bush poisonous to humans?
The viburnum bush (viburnum) contains slightly poisonous fruits, the consumption of which can cause digestive problems such as nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea in humans. The plant is particularly dangerous for small children who put everything in their mouths.
The genus of snowballs, viburnum in Latin, includes more than 100 different species. Many of them are native to Europe or Asia and are an important source of food for numerous bird species in winter. That's why you shouldn't prune your viburnum bush until spring. However, some birds do not eat the fruits at all and, like humans, they are slightly poisonous to mammals.
Is the snowball suitable for the family garden?
If you have small children in the house who like to put everything in their mouths, then it's better not to plant a snowball in your garden. Although the plant is only considered slightly poisonous, the fruits sometimes look very tempting. Depending on the variety, some of them are bright red, their color is reminiscent of red currants. In addition, the fruits of some varieties remain on the bush until winter.
If your children are older, then a viburnum bush is definitely an opportunity to do something for the local insect and bird world. Some varieties bloom in the winter months, while others bear fruit then. The viburnum bush is suitable for planting a privacy hedge.
The most important things in brief:
- all parts of the plant slightly poisonous
- Symptoms of poisoning: mainly digestive problems
- only fatal in very large doses
- Be careful especially with small children who put everything in their mouth
Tip
The ripe fruits of some varieties look very tempting. Make sure they are not eaten by small children.