The so-called annual silver leaf (Lunaria annua) is being specifically cultivated in more and more gardens due to its attractive flowers and seed heads. The question is therefore becoming more and more common as to whether the plant is poisonous and therefore poses a danger to children and pets.
Is the silver leaf poisonous?
The annual silver leaf (Lunaria annua) is not poisonous to people and pets. The green parts of the plant, such as stems and leaves, can even be used in the kitchen. However, the seeds of the plant are poisonous in large quantities due to the alkaloids they contain, such as the toxin lunarine.
The difference between leaves and seeds
In contrast to the white felted groundsel (Senecio biscolor), which is actually poisonous and sometimes also called silver leaf, the silver leaf of the genus Lunaria is not very dangerous in itself. After all, the plant parts such as stems and leaves can even be used in the kitchen in the following ways:
- like cress on sandwich
- as an ingredient in vegetable side dishes
- in herb salads
But this only applies to the green parts of the plant and not to the seeds, which contain various alkaloids. The seeds contain around 70% of the toxin lunarine, but also other alkaloids.
Be careful when using as decoration material
The silver leaf is particularly popular when sown in the garden so that after successful propagation, the long-lasting seed pods can be cut off along with the stems and used as an autumnal decoration in the house. However, this should only be done if fallen seeds cannot be accidentally consumed by pets or small children.
Tip
The green herb of silver leaf is not only harmless to humans, but can also be fed to turtles and other small animals in the garden as a change from the menu.