Persistent and robust - that is the columbine. But also colorful, graceful and graceful. But until its flowers have developed, it is difficult for the layman to recognize. Her leaves are anything but ordinary…

Columbine leaves are highly toxic

The leaves throughout the growing season

In spring - usually from March - the columbine drives out with its leaves. When young, the leaves resemble small rosettes. They are light green in color and darken over the weeks. After the flowering period is over in midsummer and the seeds are formed, the leaves wither. The columbine retreats into its rhizome.

What are the characteristics of the leaves?

The deciduous leaves of the perennial columbine together with the stems create a herbaceous image. The leaves form a rosette at the bottom. There they are long-stalked. They are double in threes, roundly lobed, notched at the edge and appear pinnate.

Long stems shoot up from the basal rosette. There are leaves here too. However, these are sessile. In addition, their shape is elongated oval and they have no notches on the edge. Both the stem leaves and the basal leaves are bluish green on top and grey-green on the underside. In addition, fine hairs appear on the underside.

The leaves are poisonous!

Even 20 g of the fresh leaves can lead to symptoms of poisoning after consumption. Why? The leaves are poisonous and contain, among other things, the toxic substance magnoflorin and a cyanide-forming glycoside. Among others, the following symptoms may manifest themselves:

  • cramps
  • breathing problems
  • diarrhea
  • Nausea followed by vomiting
  • cardiac arrhythmias

Use the leaves for tea or poultices?

But if you dry the leaves or heat them, you don't have to worry about toxins. They are destroyed by drying or heating. For example, the leaves can be used for tea or envelopes. Among other things, they help with rheumatism, boils, gout and ulcers.

tips and tricks

The leaves are far less poisonous than the seeds. Nevertheless, it is better to wear protective gardening gloves when handling them, for example when transplanting or cutting. Otherwise it can lead to irritated skin areas.

Category:

Herbs