In its North American homeland, the trumpet tree is a widespread ornamental tree because of its foliage and flowers and can be found in numerous gardens and public parks. However, all parts of Catalpa bignonioides, as it is called botanically, are considered poisonous for both humans and animals and are therefore not suitable for use in the kitchen and herb chamber.

Both leaves and flowers of the trumpet tree are considered slightly poisonous

All parts of the trumpet tree are slightly poisonous

All parts of the trumpet tree except the seeds contain the mildly toxic catalpin. However, this chemical compound not only causes stomach upset and abdominal pain, but also keeps mosquitoes away quite reliably. The leaves in particular exude an odor that is hardly perceptible to humans, which keeps the annoying pests at bay. Other slightly toxic components of wood and other tree parts are caffeic acid, ursolic acid and coumaric acid. In addition, quinoid compounds were found primarily in wood, which can lead to allergic reactions (e.g. skin rash). That is why you should always wear gloves when cutting the trumpet tree.

Do not confuse the trumpet tree with the angel's trumpet

Trumpet trees (Catalpa) and angel trumpets (Brugmansia) are often used synonymously, these are two completely different species - which are also poisonous in very different ways. While the North American trumpet tree is only slightly toxic and at best causes stomach pains or skin rashes, the angel's trumpet, which comes from the nightshade family, contains highly toxic alkaloids. When consumed by small children or weak people, these can not only cause symptoms of poisoning, but can even lead to death.

tips

The bean-like, elongated fruits of the trumpet tree are also poisonous and are therefore not suitable for consumption.

Category:

Trees