First and foremost, plants for the garden are often chosen based on their beauty (flower beds) or usefulness (vegetable garden). However, in a family garden where small children play, toxicity is an important criterion. Can a sequoia tree be planted here safely?
Is the sequoia tree poisonous?
The sequoia tree is non-toxic to humans and animals because neither its cones nor its leaves contain poisonous components. However, its tannins can cause gastrointestinal problems in ruminants such as sheep, goats or cattle when they nibble on the bark.
Is the sequoia tree poisonous?
The sequoia tree isnot poisonous. Neither its cones nor its leaves contain poisonous parts. Different species with very different appearances are also non-poisonous. Known are:
- the giant sequoia (bot. Sequoiadendron giganteum), also called mountain sequoia
- the coast redwood (bot. Sequoia sempervirens) and
- the primeval sequoia (bot. Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
Does the sequoia tree resemble a poisonous plant?
In its entirety, an old sequoia tree is safeunmistakable A young sequoia tree can under certain circumstances be confused with one of the numerous false cypress species. These are definitely poisonous. You can recognize the sequoia tree by its egg-shaped cones. The fruits of the false cypress, on the other hand, are spherical.
Which parts can be confused with poisonous plants?
The needles of the coast redwood vaguely resemble the soft needles of aYew This plant, which is also a conifer, is considered very poisonous. The scale-shaped needles of the giant sequoia, on the other hand, can be confused with those of a (mock) cypress.
Who could a sequoia tree be dangerous for?
The sequoia tree is not poisonous, but its bark contains high levels of tannins. These tannins are quite harmful in large quantitiesfor ruminants; they can cause severe gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, a sequoia tree should not grow near a pasture for sheep, goats or cattle. Goats in particular like to nibble on the bark of trees.
Tip
Safe for horses?
Horses have a very sensitive gastrointestinal tract, but they are not the type of animals that particularly like to nibble on tree bark. Therefore, the sequoia tree is generally considered harmless to horses.
