The saying “Beauty has its price” also applies to flowering plants. If the trumpet flower produces toxic ingredients in addition to brightly colored flowers, this could be too high. Let's check what's going on with it.
Toxicity classification
The plant, also known as climbing trumpet or jasmine trumpet, is not included in the official list of poisonous plants. This makes it clear that she poses no serious danger. But it is not entirely non-toxic either. In fact, all parts of the plant contain toxins, especially the fruits and seeds.
Symptoms when eating plant parts
The trumpet flower produces the substance catalpin as a defensive poison against predators. This ensures that the parts of the plant taste bitter. For this reason, even small children or pets are unlikely to eat large quantities of it. Even then, the symptoms would be unpleasant, but not life-threatening:
- Gagging and vomiting
- Stomachache
- Diarrhea
- Tenderness in the upper abdomen
It is important that the person affected drinks a lot of water and, if necessary, takes charcoal tablets so that toxins are bound.
Allergic reactions after contact
When we come into direct contact with the sap of the climbing plant, we feel its toxic quinoid compounds. In pets and small children, even contact with leaves and flowers can trigger allergic reactions. For example:
- mild itching or burning
- Skin redness, pimples or pustules
- temporary numbness
A cooling gel can relieve symptoms and resolve them more quickly.
Tip
Wear protective gloves when caring for the trumpet flower, especially when cutting. Also keep children and pets away from it or remove any dead flowers to prevent tempting seed capsules from forming.
Danger of confusion with angel trumpet
Many plants have trumpet-shaped flowers. This fact is sometimes also reflected in the naming. There is also a plant called angel trumpet. It is very poisonous and can cause life-threatening poisoning in humans!
Although the angel's trumpet grows differently and blooms in different colors, it is often confused with the trumpet flower. As a result, it is also mistakenly considered to be highly toxic and is avoided. So clarify which plant is actually in your garden. This is the only way you can exercise the necessary caution.
