The days are getting shorter and gradually getting colder, the trees are slowly bare and it rains and storms more and more often instead of the sun showing its rays. During this time, the chrysanthemum bushes bloom in numerous gardens and provide a touch of summer before winter finally strikes. As beautiful as chrysanthemums are, they are also dangerous - at least some varieties.
Some varieties of chrysanthemum are poisonous, especially to children and animals
Toxicity depends on the variety
It is estimated that there are around 40 different types of chrysanthemums and over 5000 varieties worldwide. Some of them, especially the Tanacetum species, are considered highly poisonous. They contain a toxin called pyrethrum, found in many insect repellents. Other chrysanthemums are edible. In particular, the Chrysanthemum coronarium (also known as "edible chrysanthemum") can be prepared as a tea or salad, with both the leaves and the flowers being suitable for consumption.
Grow edible chrysanthemums
The seeds of edible chrysanthemums are readily available in specialist shops and are sown between March and October. Chrysanthemums are cold germs, which is why the seeds should be stratified beforehand.
Be careful with children and pets
Whatever the variety of chrysanthemum, care should always be taken with both children and animals. All chrysanthemums are poisonous for animals - especially cats, dogs, rodents (rabbits, guinea pigs) and grazing animals (cattle, sheep, horses) and can cause severe symptoms of poisoning. These range from irritation of the mucous membranes to drowsiness and drowsiness to kidney and liver failure and blindness.
tips and tricks
Purchased chrysanthemums are in no way suitable for consumption, as these plants have very often been treated with pesticides and artificial fertilizers. It may not be the plant itself that may be poisonous here, but the chemistry in and on it.