Even though the privet is a common sight in our gardens, few people know that it can be poisonous to humans and animals. We clarify.
Privet (Ligustrum) is one of the slightly poisonous plants. So it does not pose a great danger, for many wild animals it is even a welcome source of food. However, if larger amounts are consumed by people, symptoms of poisoning can occur.
Poisonous Privet
Privet is not on the poisonous plant list of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. So it's not very poisonous. Nevertheless, the plant contains toxic substances in all parts of the plant, the consumption of which in large quantities can lead to symptoms of poisoning.
Poisonous privet: symptoms and treatment in humans
Although the leaves and branches of the privet contain toxins, pure contact with the skin is not harmful. However, if the beautiful dark berries that appear in autumn are put in the mouth by an inexperienced child or mistaken for edible berries, symptoms of poisoning can occur. However, this requires larger quantities. A critical dose is not yet known. The Bonn University Hospital also classifies privet as slightly poisonous.
Possible symptoms of privet poisoning:
- Diarrhea
- nausea
- Vomiting
- Circulatory disorders
- Headache
- seizures
If you have eaten berries or are already experiencing symptoms, you should give the person affected plenty of still water to drink. This dilutes the toxins and reduces their effects. If the symptoms are more severe, you should take the affected person to see a doctor immediately.
Poisonous privet: symptoms and treatment in animals
It is not possible to say in general terms whether privet is poisonous to animals or not. Its berries are a valuable food source for many wild animals. After the first frost in winter, a wide variety of bird species enjoy the rich fruits. And alsomany wild rodents find a good meal here. However, you should keep your own rodents away from the plant. Even horses don't like privet.
Cats, on the other hand, will hardly have the idea of gnawing on the plant. Since privet is widespread in German-speaking countries, a house cat cannot be kept away from the plant anyway. Dogs are not at risk either. You should only be careful with young dogs that playfully chew on everything. As an alternative, give the young dog a gnawing bone so that he doesn't chew everything.
The symptoms in animals are similar to those in humans. Remove plant remains from the mouths of affected animals and try to rinse them out with clear water. If the above symptoms occur, you should definitely consult a veterinarian.
If you have decided to have a privet in your garden despite its slight toxicity, you will find all the important information on the subject here.