The nuts and leaves of the walnut tree are often eaten or used as medicine. But is the tree really harmless or is it poisonous?
Is the walnut tree poisonous to people and animals?
The walnut tree is largely non-toxic to humans, but people with sensitive stomachs may react sensitively to walnut leaves. Moldy walnuts are dangerous. Parts of the walnut tree can cause toxic reactions in animals, especially horses and dogs.
Mostly non-toxic to humans
The walnut tree with its nuts and leaves is generally non-toxic to humans.
But: People with sensitive stomachs can react to the leaves with nausea and vomiting (for example when drinking walnut leaf tea).
In addition, it cannot be ruled out that the green shell of the walnut fruit leads to poisoning with stomach and intestinal problems (high tannic acid content).
Attention: Of course, you should ALWAYS stay away from moldy walnuts!
Walnut tree partly poisonous for animals
The heartwood of the walnut tree can cause laminitis in horses. However, poisoning rarely occurs because horses generally do not nibble on tree wood. The maximum danger is from felled walnut trees that happen to have an edible item on them.
Particularly in dogs, walnut shells or nuts infected with fungi can cause symptoms such as vomiting, trembling or even real nerve cramps. The mushrooms are capable of producing toxins.
