The lamp cleaner grass is an easy-care ornamental grass that serves as an attractive eye-catcher in many gardens because of its striking flower spikes. Since this plant is also extremely popular as a tub plant, the question arises not only for families and pet owners: Is Pennisetum poisonous?
Pennisetum grass is non-toxic, but has very tough culms
Non-toxic but not harmless
Pennisetum grass, which belongs to the sweet grasses, is not poisonous. Nevertheless, there is a not inconsiderable danger for children and pets from the hard stalks. If these are swallowed, even if they are chewed into small pieces, they can enter the windpipe.
This represents a risk that should not be underestimated, especially for cats and small children. The robust pieces of straw that have migrated into the lungs can seriously damage them. Due to their sharp structure, the particles can also drill into the mucous membrane of the esophagus and trachea and cause dangerous bleeding here.
tips
The hard culms have razor-sharp edges. They can therefore lead to painful cuts on the hands. For this reason, wear gloves for all work on the pennisetum grass.