- Classification of toxicity
- Symptoms when eating parts of plants
- Allergic reactions after contact
- Risk of confusion with angel's trumpet
The saying "Beauty has its price" also applies to flowering plants. If the trumpet flower produces toxic ingredients in addition to brightly colored flowers, this could be too high. Let's see how that goes.
The trumpet flower is not as poisonous as its reputation might suggest
Classification of toxicity
Also known as trumpet vine or jasmine trumpet, the plant is not included in the official list of poisonous plants. This makes it clear that she does not pose a serious threat. But it's not entirely harmless either. In fact, all parts of the plant contain toxins, especially the fruits and seeds.
Symptoms when eating parts of plants
The trumpet flower produces the substance catalpin as a defense against predators. This ensures that the parts of the plant taste bitter. For this reason, even small children or pets will hardly eat large amounts of it. Even then, the symptoms would be uncomfortable, but not life-threatening:
- gagging and vomiting
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- Tenderness in the upper abdomen
It is important that the affected person drinks a lot of water and, if necessary, takes charcoal tablets so that toxins are bound.
Allergic reactions after contact
When we come into direct contact with the sap of the climbing plant, we get to feel its toxic quinoid compounds. Even contact with leaves and flowers can trigger allergic reactions in pets and small children. For example:
- mild itching or burning
- Reddened skin, pimples or pustules
- temporary numbness
A cooling gel can relieve symptoms and end them faster.
tips
Wear protective gloves when caring for the trumpet flower, especially when cutting. Also, keep children and pets away or remove faded flowers to prevent enticing seed pods from forming.
Risk of confusion with angel's trumpet
Many plants have trumpet-shaped flowers. This circumstance is occasionally reflected in the naming. There is also a plant called angel's trumpet. It is very toxic and can cause life-threatening poisoning in humans!
Although the angel's trumpet grows differently and blooms in different shades, it is often confused with the trumpet flower. As a result, it is also mistakenly considered highly toxic and avoided. So find out which plant is actually in your garden. This is the only way you can exercise the necessary caution.