As an easy-care and hardy shrub, the broom with its decorative flowers is also suitable for hobby gardeners and an ornament in many gardens. In the family garden, however, it should only be planted with caution because it is poisonous.
All parts of the broom plant are poisonous
Small legumes form from the delicate flowers. Like all other parts of the gorse, they are poisonous and should not get into the hands and mouths of children. Since the taste of gorse is quite unpleasant, it is probably rarely put in the mouth. Nevertheless, you should be careful.
Symptoms of poisoning can also occur in animals. even deaths have occurred in smaller animals. Therefore, broom should not be planted too close to a fish pond. If flowers, seeds or leaves fall into the water, this could be dangerous for your fish.
Be careful when cutting plants
You should wear gloves, at least for extensive pruning, because the sap of the broom is also poisonous. Contact with it can cause skin reactions. This precautionary measure is particularly recommended for sensitive people and allergy sufferers.
possible symptoms of poisoning by gorse:
- nausea
- Vomit
- heart and circulatory problems
- signs of paralysis
- circulatory collapse
Are other broom species also poisonous?
All varieties of real broom and also the "fake" broom species are considered poisonous. Although the composition of the ingredients varies and the concentration of toxins can also vary, there is no such thing as a non-toxic broom. Incidentally, legumes can also be fatal for (demented) seniors because they resemble small beans.
tips
If you would like to plant gorse in your garden, make sure that small children and pets cannot reach it.