The yellow flowers of the forsythia are very beautiful, but also poisonous. We explain what this means for dogs, cats and humans.
In spring, the forsythia (Forsythia × intermedia) delights people in this country with its yellow flowers and embellishes gardens before most other plants bloom. However, many do not know that the popular shrub is slightly poisonous. We show how poisonous the forsythia really is and what needs to be considered.
Forsythia: Toxic plant parts
Forsythia contains several toxic substances such as saponins, glycosides and essential oils. These slightly toxic substances can be found in all parts of the plant, i.e. in the twigs, leaves and flowers. But no need to panic: Forsythia is only slightly poisonous and only becomes dangerous when the plant is consumed in large quantities. However, you should always wear gloves when cutting the shrub and wash your hands thoroughly if they come into contact with your skin.
Forsythia: symptoms of poisoning
If parts of the plant were swallowed, symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea can occur. However, a small dose is usually not enough and there is usually nothing to worry about.
Forsythia: What to do if you have symptoms of poisoning?
If only small amounts of the plant are ingested, it is generally not necessary to go to the doctor. If, on the other hand, smaller children have eaten parts of the plant, it is still advisable to contact a pediatrician immediately. Drinking plenty of fluids in the form of water and tea is also generally considered an effective method for rapid recovery.
Forsythia: Dangerous for dogs and cats?
Many dog owners wonder whether their animals can also get poisoned by forsythia. Basically, there is a risk of slight poisoning through consumption - this applies in particular to young dogs. However, just like humans, the animals would have to consume a larger quantity of plant parts in order toto get seriously ill. In the worst case, dogs can suffer from diarrhea. The same goes for cats, who usually have even less to worry about. If you still observe symptoms of poisoning, you should contact a veterinarian.
If you still want to plant a forsythia in your garden, you will find all the information about forsythia here - location, care, propagation and more.