The March cup produces beautiful flowers - no question about it. They are a bit reminiscent of the poisonous snowdrop. This has also earned it the name "Big Snowdrop". Is this visual similarity the only thing they have in common? Or does the March cup also produce toxic substances?
Marchen cups are highly toxic!
Toxic, and strong!
Unfortunately, the March cup has a permanent place in the much too long list of poisonous flowers.
- March mug is highly toxic
- for humans and pets
- all its plant parts contain the poison
The symptoms of poisoning
The March cup produces various alkaloids such as lycorine. Alkaloids affect the heart and can cause cardiac arrhythmias. However, the first symptoms include the following:
- Vomit
- diarrhea
- cramps
If small children mistake the bulb of these flowers for the kitchen onion and eat it, it can even lead to serious poisoning. Call the emergency doctor immediately and first and act according to his instructions.
tips
It is safest if you don't plant snow cups in the family garden in the first place. The youngest children in particular are neither receptive to enlightenment nor can they be supervised around the clock.
Danger to pets
Also known as spring snowflake, the plant is mildly poisonous to horses. However, their effect on their favorite pets, cats and dogs, could be more severe. The smaller the animal is and the more of this highly toxic plant it has eaten, the more threatening the poisoning is. It can even cost the four-legged friend their life.
So see your vet as soon as possible. The symptoms of poisoning are similar to those of humans.
Careful handling is indicated
Even if there are no children in the garden and no pets either, it is still important to be careful with the March cup. If you plant and care for Marchen cups or cut them for the flower vase, the escaping plant sap can lead to skin irritation.