Not all beautiful plants in the garden are harmless. Sometimes appearances are deceptive and the popular plants are poisonous. Our detailed list of poisonous summer flowers shows which ones are included.
No amateur gardener would want to do without bright spots of color in the bed or flower box. Summer flowers are synonymous with sunshine, warmth and colour. An extensive abundance of growth and flower forms makes the choice not easy. Among the summer flowers there are small, strong and bushy growing, hanging, wonderfully fragrant - but unfortunately also poisonous specimens.
When planning the garden, it should be borne in mind that the abundance of flowers can quickly become a danger if there are small children in the household and pets frolicking on the property. If the garden has already been laid out, you should perhaps take a closer look at it from this point of view. Because many plants that are already busily growing there could be poisonous without you realizing it.
Below we have put together a selection of poisonous plants that are most common in the garden. Not all poisonous plants are listed here, as that would go beyond the scope. Therefore, when buying plants, pay attention to the information on the label or ask a specialist, so that the summer brings you flowers without regrets.
We differentiate between the following:
- slightly poisonous plants
- poisonous plants
- poisonous plants
Slightly poisonous plants
Hyacinth
As one of the first heralds of spring, the hyacinth is a frequent guest on our windowsills. The hobby gardener then usually plants them outdoors, where they herald spring again the following year with their flowering.
Hyacinth bulbs are poisonous, however, and those who eat large quantities of the leaves will also feel the effects of the poison.
| Parts of Plants | Symptoms |
| Bulbs Stems Leaves Seeds | Nausea Skin irritation Kidney damage Paralysis |
The plant can be dangerous, especially for small children. When eatingsmaller quantities, there are hardly any complaints. The calcium oxalate contained in the s alt can also lead to allergies and skin irritations externally.
» Tip: Always wear gloves when planting hyacinths!
Peony
Peonies can be found in many gardens and delight the eye in early summer with their multifaceted flower colours. Very few people are familiar with the peony as a poisonous plant, on the contrary, in naturopathy the plant is valued for digestive problems or gout, for example.
| Parts of Plants | Symptoms |
| Stems Leaves Flowers | Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal pain |
Small consumption amounts do not have a negative effect on he alth. Small children should be kept away from the peony. In cats, eating the plants causes diarrhea and vomiting.
Warning: Peonies are highly toxic to dogs!
Tulip
Tulips are a real herb against the gray of winter. Tulip bouquets can be found in almost every supermarket from February, and most gardens cannot do without the colorful early bloomers. Very few flower lovers will know or consider that the tulip is poisonous.
| Parts of Plants | Symptoms |
| Stems Leaves Flowers Bulb | Nausea Vomiting Increased salivation Abdominal pain State of shock |
Prolonged skin contact may cause “tulip bulb dermatitis”. This leads to the formation of eczema and the fingernails can break. This skin irritation lasts for a few days and goes away on its own.
Columbine
The columbine is a pretty sight with its blue flowers and is therefore found not only in the woods but also in many gardens. Columbine is a member of the buttercup family, a consistently toxic plant family.
| Parts of Plants | Symptoms |
| Seeds Stems Leaves Flowers | Nausea Vomiting Convulsions Shortness of breath Cardiac arrhythmias |
Most of the poison is in the seeds. Eating the fresh leaves can also trigger the symptoms mentioned. The ingredients magnoflorin and glycoside form hydrocyanic acid. External contact can cause redness and skin irritationoccur.
» Tip: Columbine has a bitter taste and is therefore avoided by pets.
Other slightly poisonous plants:
- Daffodil
- Snowball
- Wisteria
- Snowdrop
- Giant Bear Claw
- lupine
Poisonous Plants
Cyclamen
You are looking for an easy-to-care-for plant that will continue to flower on the windowsill for a long time. Then you prefer to reach for the cyclamen. The plants are particularly common in pensioner households. Pets usually live there too. Cyclamen has also found its way into many gardens. However, the toxicity is hardly known to many hobby gardeners.
| Parts of Plants | Symptoms |
| Tuber Stems Leaves Flowers | Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Fever Sweats Convulsions Respiratory paralysis Drop in blood pressure Dizziness |
Most of the toxins are in the tuber. Even consumption amounts of eight grams are considered deadly. The most toxic ingredient is cyclamine, which affects metabolism.
Oleanders
The oleander is one of the most popular flowering perennials in our latitudes, whether as a bush in the garden or as an ornament in a bucket on the balcony or terrace. The pretty abundance of flowers may hide the danger, but the oleander is also a poisonous summer flower.
| Parts of Plants | Symptoms |
| Stems Leaves Flowers | Nausea Headache Convulsions Cardiac arrhythmias Cardiac arrest in high doses |
» Tip: The plant tastes very bitter, which usually discourages small children and pets from eating it.
The toxin contained in oleander is called the glycoside oleandrin. In addition to the symptoms of poisoning described, skin contact can also cause reddening and irritation.
Yew
The yew tree is very popular in our gardens. The evergreen plant provides a splash of color in the dreary garden even in winter. Yews can grow up to 15 meters in height and thus represent a good privacy screen. The red fruits offer an additional decoration.
| Parts of Plants | Symptoms |
| Needles Seeds | Nausea Pallor Dry mouth Abdominal pain Reddening of theLips Cardiovascular disorders |
The poison taxin is contained in the dark, shiny needles. If they are consumed, severe symptoms of poisoning can occur, which damage the liver and kidneys and, in extreme cases, can also be fatal. The red berries are particularly attractive to young children. These are only slightly poisonous compared to the needles. However, children should always be kept away from the plants.
Boxwood
Box trees can be found in many gardens. They serve as a bed border or are formed into balls, pyramids or other figures. Boxwood is also a frequent guest on terraces and in entrance areas. Not everyone knows that the evergreen plant also contains toxins.
| Parts of Plants | Symptoms |
| Bark Leaves Flowers Stems | Nausea Vomiting Diarrhoea Tremors Convulsions Drop in blood pressure Cardiovascular collapse |
Up to 70 different poisons can be detected in the book tree. Buxin is considered the main active ingredient. Adults are less at risk because the amount of toxins ingested must always be considered in relation to body size and weight. Small animals and children are particularly at risk.
Other poisonous plants:
- Larkspur
- Lily of the Valley
- Ivy
- Cherry Laurel
Poisonous Plants
Angel Trumpet
The angel's trumpet is a distinctive container plant that particularly appeals to us with its striking fragrant flowers. However, the scent of the angel's trumpet can already trigger symptoms of poisoning and unpleasant reactions.
| Parts of Plants | Symptoms |
| Stem Leaves Flowers | Nausea Vomiting Restlessness Fever Visual disturbances Convulsions Pulse acceleration |
Hallucinations are observed a few hours after ingestion. The plants are already poisonous from a quantity of 0.3 grams. In severe cases, respiratory arrest may occur.
Autumn Crocus
At the end of the garden year, the autumn crocus provides the last splash of color in the bed. Therefore, the flowering plant is often found in our gardens. However, the pretty, violet flowers should not hide the fact that it is a poisonous plant.
| Parts of Plants | Symptoms |
| Tuber Seeds Leaves Flowers Stems | Nausea Vomiting Diarrhoea Haemorrhage Death from respiratory paralysis |
Most toxins are concentrated in the tubers and seeds. The main toxin, colchicine, is similar to arsenic. There are 20 more alkaloids included.
Warning: The leaves of the autumn crocus can easily be mistaken for wild garlic. There is danger to life here!
All parts of the plant are extremely poisonous to humans and animals. After consumption, the symptoms of poisoning mentioned above occur. Death from respiratory paralysis occurs about two days after consumption.
Christmas Rose
Every hobby gardener would like to see their garden green and blooming all year round. The Christmas rose can provide an eye-catcher in the wintry garden. The flowers appear between December and March. The Christmas rose is not only a pretty plant, but also a representative of the genus Helleborus. Members of this plant family are highly poisonous.
| Parts of Plants | Symptoms |
| Root Seed Leaves Flowers Stem | Nausea Vomiting Diarrhoea Dizziness Inflammation in the oral cavity Cardiac arrhythmias Circulatory collapse |
The heart poison saponin is mainly represented. The toxin Helleborin can be found increasingly in the rootstock. Serious symptoms of poisoning can occur if the seed pods are eaten. The poison of the Christmas rose is deadly in high doses. Death occurs from respiratory paralysis.
Dpharm
The small red flowers of the daphne arouse the desire for spring in late winter. Therefore, the daphne not only grows in forests and meadows, but also increasingly in domestic gardens. Daphne can grow to a height of about 1.5 meters and produces uniform, red fruits in late summer.
| Parts of Plants | Symptoms |
| Root Seed Leaves Flowers Stem | Nausea Vomiting Inflammation and swelling in the mouth Feeling thirsty Difficulty swallowing Cardiac arrhythmias Circulatory collapse |
The symptoms of poisoning appear just a few minutes after consumption. If the seeds are chewed and eaten, there is a burning sensation and blistering in the mouth. Alsoexternally, the released toxins can cause skin swelling, itching and blistering.
Other highly poisonous summer flowers:
- Miracle Tree
- Tree of Life
- Laburnum
- Aronstaab
- Foxglove
Poisonous Balcony Flowers - The Underestimated Danger
Loyal to men
Anyone who wants lush flowers in the flower box is increasingly turning to men's loy alty. The blue flowers delight the eye from early summer to autumn.
However, all plant parts are poisonous. Contains several alkaloids. Small children and pets should be kept away from the plant.
» Tip: Loyal to men and other lobelia are particularly decorative in hanging baskets and are also perfectly safe there.
Globe Primula
The globe primrose is no exception. Toxic substances are contained in all types of primula. Primin is a strong contact allergen. Therefore, gloves should always be worn when planting and caring for the primroses.
Petunias
Petunias are among the most popular plants for pots and balcony boxes. The richness of color and abundance of flowers may belie it, but petunias are a nightshade family and poisonous. The green parts of the plant contain solanine. This means that the petunia is no different from the related unripe tomato.
Help, poisoned - what to do?
If people or pets have eaten poisonous summer flowers, prompt and courageous action is required. It is best to see the nearest doctor. If there are already clear signs of poisoning, call the emergency doctor. Those affected should drink plenty of fluids to dilute the toxins in the body. The intake of activated charcoal causes the toxic substances to be absorbed. Have the plant or parts of the plant ready when the helpers arrive.
Knowing about the poisonous plants in your garden is the best way to prevent plant poisoning in humans and animals.
When planning the garden, appropriate plants should be avoided if children and pets are to play and romp around carefree there. Remember, little two and four legged friends are unpredictable and you can't have your eyes on everything at once. Poisonous indoor plants should also be kept out of the reach of small children and pets. How about, for example, hanging baskets or a floral decoration on the living room cupboard. The same applies of coursealso for bouquets, because these often tempt you to touch and explore even more than the flowers in the garden bed.
How common is summer flower poisoning?
Here we can give the all-clear, because many plants are just not to the liking of small children or pets. As a result, only very small amounts are consumed or the plant is immediately spat out. The symptoms of poisoning that occur are correspondingly low and mostly there is only discomfort, vomiting or diarrhea.
» Tip: Only about every 70th poisoning by plants results in severe poisoning symptoms.
How poisonous is a plant?
We have already made a classification, but the toxicity cannot usually be clearly determined. Ultimately, how toxic a plant really is depends on various factors:
- Location
- Season
- Fruit stand
- Consumption
- Plant part
- Consumption
- individual systems (allergies, sensitivities)
For globetrotters - the most poisonous plants in the world
Miracle Tree
- Even ingesting two to four seeds is fatal.
- Ingestion causes red blood cells to clump together.
- No antidote is known.
Water hemlock
- The rhizome can easily be confused with the edible parsnip.
- About 30% of water hemlock poisonings result in death.
- No antidote is known.
White-fruited Christophskraut
- The plant is native to North America.
- The berries are edible for birds.
- In humans, consumption causes cardiac arrest.
Paternoster Pea
- The Paternoster Pea is a tropical plant.
- The seeds are often worn as necklaces.
- Consumption leads to heart and kidney failure and respiratory paralysis.
Australian nettle
- The Australian nettle is found in the rain forests.
- The plants can grow up to ten meters high.
- Skin contact causes irritation, swelling and prolonged pain.
Monkshood
- A rash occurs when touching the plant.
- Consumption triggers respiratory paralysis and cardiac arrest.
- No antidotes are known.
Wrinkled Waterdaff
- The plant was once widespread in America.
- Today is theRuined Waterdrop Rare.
- The poison was once ingested by humans through the milk of farm animals.
Manchinel Tree
- The trees secrete a substance that causes blisters on the skin.
- The fruits resemble apples. Eating is deadly.
- The fumes from burning wood can cause blindness.