Once established, the loosestrife soon proliferates with the help of its underground runners. Still, it looks attractive with its golden yellow and funnel-shaped flowers surrounding an upright stem. Is it poisonous?
The flowers of the loosestrife are even edible in small quantities
The quantity makes the poison
The loosestrife is not poisonous in small amounts. Slight symptoms of poisoning such as irritation of the mucous membranes, nausea and gastrointestinal pain can only occur if a large amount is consumed. Therefore: Enjoy in moderation.
This plant was formerly used as a medicinal plant. It helps against inflammation. If you want to use the plant, you can, for example, pick some flowers and use them as a decoration to garnish dishes such as salads.
This is how you recognize this plant:
- vaguely resembles the evening primrose
- tightly upright, slender growth
- Leaves are almost sessile
- opposite leaf arrangement
- golden yellow flowers
- flowers: in fives, radially symmetrical, hermaphrodite
- Flowering period: June to August
tips
Be careful with small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits. You should not offer these loosestrife to eat!