While the serviceberry was once considered an important fruit tree, it is now increasingly being used in hedge planting and as a malleable solitary plant. However, there is always confusion among hobby gardeners about the question of whether the rock pear is actually poisonous or not.
Is the rock pear poisonous?
The serviceberry is not poisonous, its edible fruits can be eaten fresh or made into jams and jellies. However, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which in large quantities can cause nausea and diarrhea.
Confusion about edible fruits and toxic ingredients
The safety of the serviceberry is supported by the fact that its edible fruits can not only be processed into jams and jellies, but can also be eaten fresh. However, the leaves of the common serviceberry (Amelanchier ovalis), for example, are said to contain toxins, which is why children and pets with a limited sense of taste for the bitter substances in the leaves (which actually warn against consumption) should not nibble on the leaves. Even more important, however, is the fact that the seeds of the fruits contain cyanogenic glycosides, which could theoretically lead to hydrogen cyanide poisoning if larger quantities were consumed. However, most of the seeds of the serviceberry are excreted undigested when consumed fresh and larger quantities must be ingested to cause real symptoms of poisoning.
These symptoms can occur when eating the seeds
With their hydrogen cyanide content, the rock pear seed kernels are comparable to the toxin content of apple seeds. If too large quantities of the seeds are actually ingested (especially with unripe fruits), the following symptoms can sometimes occur:
- Nausea
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
As an immediate measure, if you have these symptoms, you should drink larger amounts of liquid (tea, juice, water), then see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out further complications.
Avoid risks and enjoy the fruits of the serviceberry without any worries
To prevent risks associated with eating the fruits of a serviceberry, children in particular should not consume large quantities of the fruit fresh. Since the hydrogen cyanide contained in it is decomposed during cooking, jams made from the fruit can be consumed safely. You can also make sure to only eat the fruits without the seeds inside.
Tip
Even with varieties of serviceberry with poisonous leaves, only consuming the leaves and the seeds poses any potential danger. Pruning and other care measures can also be carried out safely without gloves.
