Daffodils (also known as daffodils) shine in almost every garden at the beginning of spring. But are daffodils poisonous and can they become dangerous?
Easter bells (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) shine towards us in cheerful, sunny yellow from March onwards, ringing in the spring. But just like the sun, you shouldn't get too close to the glowing Easter heralds. Look at yes, touch maybe, eat no. We'll explain why daffodils are poisonous and what to do if you happen to get too close to the floral beamer.
Easter bells: origin and characteristics
Easter bells are often used as a trivial name for daffodils (Narcissus). But that's not botanically correct. Because not every daffodil is also a daffodil. The daffodil (also yellow daffodil, Narcissus pseudonarcissus) is a subspecies of the genus Narcissus, which in turn belongs to the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). Here is some information about the yellow messengers of Easter:
- Growth: About 40 cm
- Flowers: solitary, yellow
- Flowering period: March to April
- Permanent Organs: Onion
- Area of distribution: Western Europe and Western Central Europe
- Location: Sunny to partially shaded
- Effect as a medicinal plant: Against skin diseases, colds and whooping cough
The daffodil was flower of the year in 1981 and is a protected wild plant. One more reason to give the endangered plants a new home in your garden. Here you can find out everything you need to know about planting and cultivating the friendly early bloomers. With the right care, daffodils will even multiply all by themselves via bulbs.
Are daffodils poisonous to humans?
Despite its friendly appearance, the daffodil, like all members of the amaryllis family, contains toxic substances. The plants contain amaryllidaceae alkaloids. These chemical compounds serve to provide natural protection against predators and parasites by being cytoxic (cell-killing)works. Humans are not excluded from this. The onion in particular contains the protective substances, but the remaining parts of the plant also contain them. The cell sap of the daffodil can also lead to skin irritation. However, these usually disappear by themselves.
Note: Let cut daffodils slime before combining them with other flowers in the vase, because the poisonous plant sap is not good for other flowers either.
Recognizing Symptoms of Daffodil Poisoning
Eating one or more onions leads to typical symptoms of poisoning. Watch out for the following complaints:
- Gag Stimulus
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Breaking a sweat
- Drowsiness
Consumption of large amounts can lead to collapse, paralysis or death.
Measures against Poisoning of daffodils
If one or more of the symptoms mentioned occur, you should immediately consult an emergency doctor. Depending on the severity of the poisoning, he recommends regular water intake, the administration of charcoal or detoxification. Drinking water is recommended even at home if there are even the slightest signs of poisoning, as this dilutes the toxins. If you keep a charcoal tablet in your medicine chest, you can't go wrong with taking it either. The charcoal binds the toxins and prevents them from getting into the blood. Since the toxins supplied are not acid, it can also be vomited.
Are daffodils poisonous to cats and dogs?
Particularly with animals, it is important to store the onions out of reach or to watch out for onions that have been dug up. Because just 15 grams of flower bulbs can be deadly for dogs. The plants also pose a serious threat to horses, pigs, rabbits, hamsters, cats and birds. Look out for symptoms such as:
- Stomach and intestinal problems
- nausea
- Diarrhea
- cramps
- tremors
- Cardiac arrhythmias
If you experience even one of the above symptoms, you should definitely consult a veterinarian.