"The dose alone makes the poison" wrote the scholar Paracelsus as early as the 15th century. In fact, many poisonous plants are still used in medicine today; the line between healing and poisoning is fluid. In German gardens there are numerous poisonous plants that endanger children and pets in particular - for example because the bright red fruits are tempting to eat. In some species, even one seed can have dramatic consequences.
Unfortunately, the beautiful laburnum is poisonous
Which native trees and shrubs are poisonous?
Some of the trees that we often plant in gardens are highly toxic, and eating their toxic plant parts can have serious health consequences and even be fatal. Other types are only slightly toxic, contact can cause unpleasant eczema (on skin contact) or disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. How toxic a tree and its components actually are varies greatly from person to person. The degree of poisoning depends, among other things, on the amount of plant parts consumed and on the size and weight of the poisoned person. Small children in particular are at risk, which is why you should keep away from the following trees.
Common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
The evergreen deciduous tree is particularly popular as a hedge plant and as a topiary. The leaves in particular, but also other parts of the plant, are poisonous. They contain the alkaloid cyclobuxin D. Poisoning is manifested by nervousness, vomiting and convulsions. Severe poisoning can result in death from respiratory arrest.
Common laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides)
This shrub or small tree delights in the spring with its beautiful flowers: clusters of bright yellow flowers hang down from the branches with fresh green leaves. Nevertheless, all parts of laburnum are highly toxic, especially the seeds and leaves contain the alkaloid cytisine. Poisoning is manifested by abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Cramps, heart and circulatory disorders as well as drowsiness and even unconsciousness can occur. Death from respiratory paralysis is possible.
European spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus)
Above all, the bright red fruits of the shrub or small tree entice children to nibble. However, these (and especially the seeds they contain) and all other parts of the plant are highly toxic. The tree, also known as spindle shrub, contains, among other things, the cardiac glycoside evonoside, which can cause the following symptoms: vomiting and diarrhea, colic, drowsiness up to fainting, coma.
Yew (Taxus baccata)
The yew is probably the most poisonous of the native trees. Wood, bark, seeds and needles of evergreen conifers contain several alkaloids, such as taxine. These can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and finally liver and kidney damage and death from respiratory paralysis. The effect of the related Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) is very similar.
Common holly (Ilex aquifolium)
The berries and leaves of the evergreen holly are also very poisonous due to the alkaloid theobromine they contain, as well as glycosides and toxic dyes. The fruits also contain triterpenes, the leaves saponins. Poisoning is manifested by severe diarrhea and can be fatal in children.
Tree of Life (Thuja occidentalis)
Trees of life are often used for the design of hedges, but are poisonous due to the monoterpene thujone they contain. This is mainly found in the tips of branches and cones and has a strong irritating effect on the stomach. Convulsions and unconsciousness can occur, as well as liver and kidney damage.
tips
Of course, this list can not be complete, there are simply too many poisonous ornamental plants. If you suspect poisoning, please contact a doctor immediately, and do not make the person concerned vomit or give them milk to drink. Instead, water should be drunk in small sips.