It happened on short notice, the laurel cherry was planted. In particular, those who have small children are unsure and quickly ask themselves the question: is the laurel cherry poisonous?
Toxic yes - fatal poisoning unlikely
The laurel cherry is poisonous to humans and animals in all parts of the plant - more or less. The most dangerous are the seeds and leaves. The harmful substances are cyanogenic glycosides and in particular hydrocyanic acid. Symptoms of laurel poisoning can include:
- dizziness
- nausea and vomiting
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- a headache
- breathing problems
Only the fruits without the contained seeds are edible. But for this they have to be heated, for example to make jam or jelly. The majority of the hydrocyanic acid is destroyed by the cooking process, the rest is easily excreted in the body via the kidneys.
tips and tricks
It is best to cut away the cherries that seem tempting for children within their reach. Most laurel cherry varieties produce fruit in late summer to fall.