“The dose alone makes the poison,” wrote the scholar Paracelsus in the 15th century. In fact, many poisonous plants are still used in medicine today; The line between healing and poisoning is fluid. There are numerous poisonous plants in German gardens that endanger children and pets in particular - for example because the bright red fruits entice them to be eaten. In some species, even one seed can have dramatic consequences.
Which native trees and shrubs are poisonous?
Poisonous native trees and shrubs include common boxwood, common laburnum, European pine tree, European yew, common holly and arborvitae. These contain toxic substances and can cause he alth problems if consumed.
Which native trees and shrubs are poisonous?
Some trees that are often planted in our gardens are highly poisonous; consuming their toxic plant parts can have serious he alth consequences and even result in death. Other species are only slightly poisonous and contact can cause unpleasant eczema (in case of skin contact) or disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. How poisonous a tree and its components actually are varies greatly from person to person. The degree of poisoning depends, among other things, on the amount of plant parts consumed as well as the size and weight of the poisoned person. Small children in particular are at risk, which is why you should stay away from the following trees.
Common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
The evergreen deciduous tree is particularly popular as a hedge plant and as a topiary. The leaves in particular, but also other parts of the plant, are poisonous. They contain the alkaloid cyclobuxin D. Poisoning is manifested by nervousness, vomiting diarrhea and cramps. Severe poisoning can result in death due to respiratory failure.
Common laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides)
This shrub or small tree delights in spring with its beautiful flowers: bright yellow flower clusters hang down from the fresh green leafy branches. Nevertheless, all parts of the laburnum are highly poisonous, especially the seeds and leaves contain the alkaloid cytisine. Poisoning is manifested by abdominal pain as well as nausea and vomiting. Cramps, cardiac and circulatory disorders as well as dizziness and even loss of consciousness can occur. Death from respiratory paralysis is possible.
European Pfaffenhütchen (Euonymus europaeus)
The bright red fruits of the bush or small tree in particular entice children to snack. However, these (and especially the seeds they contain) and all other parts of the plant are highly poisonous. The tree, also known as the spindle bush, contains, among other things, the cardiac glycoside evonoside, which can cause the following symptoms: vomiting and diarrhea, colic, drowsiness and even fainting, coma.
European Yew (Taxus baccata)
The yew is probably the most poisonous of the native trees. The wood, bark, seeds and needles of evergreen conifers contain several alkaloids, such as taxine. These can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, ultimately liver and kidney damage and death from respiratory paralysis. The effect of the related Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) is very similar.
Common holly (Ilex aquifolium)
The berries and leaves of the evergreen holly are also very poisonous due to the alkaloid theobromine they contain as well as glycosides and toxic dyes. The fruits also contain triterpenes and the leaves contain saponins. Poisoning is manifested by severe diarrhea and can be fatal in children.
Tree of life (Thuja occidentalis)
Trees of life are often used to create hedges, but are poisonous due to the monoterpene thujone they contain. This is mainly found in the tips of branches and cones and has a strong irritating effect on the stomach. Convulsions and loss of consciousness can occur, as well as liver and kidney damage.
Tip
Of course, this list cannot be complete, there are simply too many poisonous ornamental plants. If you suspect poisoning, please contact a doctor immediately. Do not make the person vomit or give them milk to drink. Instead, water should be drunk in small sips.
