Lavishly blooming butterfly lilacs shape the image of summer landscapes, shine in gardens and parks. The unmistakable omnipresence raises the question of worried parents and pet owners whether Buddleia poses a toxic hazard. This guide highlights in a practical way whether and to what extent Toxic substances flow through Buddleja davidii. Find out here the degree of risk for humans and animals with tips for the correct behavior in an emergency.
Slightly toxic in all parts
Buddleia contains a cocktail of glycosides and saponins, which are found in all parts of the plant. The highest concentration of toxic ingredients is found in leaves and seeds. Among other things, it is the glycoside catalpol, which is labeled with the GHS hazardous substance label. In addition, aucubin flows through the pathways of butterfly lilac, a common toxin in Mother Nature's realm.
Outside of the flowering period, the deciduous leaves of a summer lilac can be identified by their lanceolate shape up to 25 centimeters long and 7 centimeters wide. The short stalked foliage is arranged oppositely on tomentose hairs
The poisonous seeds are contained in brown, two-lobed capsule fruits, which form from pollinated flower panicles. A capsule fruit is 5 to 9 millimeters long and 1.5 to 2 millimeters in diameter. The seeds are chip-shaped, 2 to 4 millimeters long, with a diameter of 0.5 millimeters.
Tip: The danger of poisonous Buddleia seeds in the garden is averted if you clean off dead flowers in good time. Cut off faded panicles just above the next healthy pair of leaves. A positive side effect is a decorative re-bloom.
Toxic to humans and animals
Glycosides and saponins in buddleia pose a health risk for humans and animals. Primarily affected are children and sensitive adults who intentionally or unintentionally consume leaves, flowers or seeds. All kinds of pets can be victims of the toxic substances. The broad spectrum of endangered animals extends from dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits and budgies to grazing animals such as sheep, goats, cows and horses. Experts in the BUND (Federation for Environment and Nature Conservation Germany e. V.) are convinced that butterflies on the buddleia absorb toxins with the nectar. As a result of the following
Disorientation makes the moths easy prey for hungry birds.
So far, there is a lack of reliable information on the amount from which the consumption of plant parts of a butterfly lilac is questionable. Practice has shown that there is a close relationship between body weight and the amount consumed. In addition, sequelae are directly related to the type of plant parts eaten. Flowers that have just unfolded pose a significantly lower risk of toxicity than completely ripe capsule fruits with countless seeds.
Symptoms in humans
The following symptoms show that people are poisoned with buddleia:
- nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Vomit
If the symptoms mentioned occur on a massive scale, circulatory problems such as dizziness, disorientation and even unconsciousness can be expected.
Help measures
In the event of Buddleia poisoning, it is important that you keep calm. Call the ambulance and ambulance. Until they arrive, carry out these help measures:
- Remove plant residues from the mouth and throat
- Give the child or adult sips of water, tea or juice
- Important:no Induce vomiting, no Give salt water, no Give milk to drink
Medicinal charcoal is the classic first aid for poisoning. Experts at the Poison Control Center in Bonn urgently recommend leaving the dosage and administration to medical personnel. Doctors can decide more quickly and more reliably about the right treatment if they can inspect the poisonous plant parts that have been consumed and examine them in the laboratory. Maintain
Be sure to look for any plant debris that you have removed from your mouth.Note: Regardless of the low poisonous content, sniffing and cutting Buddleia are harmless. Don't let the toxins it contain prevent you from enjoying the seductive scent of butterfly lilac. In addition, you can dedicate yourself to the important pruning in spring without worrying about it.
Symptoms in animals
If you catch an animal eating buddleia, it is seldom possible to understand the amount of poisonous parts of the plant that has already been ingested. The following symptoms leave no doubt about poisoning:
- Increased salivation
- Disorientation, staggering and staggering
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Tremors, convulsions
In grazing animals, symptoms of poisoning often manifest in the form of colic. Especially in horses, colic is an important indicator of poisoning with butterfly lilac because they cannot vomit. The animals concerned draw attention to themselves beforehand with their unusually strong thirst and reluctance to eat.
Help measures
If your pets or grazing animals are victims of plant poisoning, please do not waste valuable time on risky experiments. A poisoned animal is best left in the capable hands of an accomplished veterinarian. Before you go to the nearest veterinary practice or wait for the veterinarian to arrive, the focus is on these help measures:
- Pull visible plant residues on the mouth
- Pack in a plastic bag and take it with you
- Caution: do not induce vomiting
Have a calming effect on the suffering animal and keep calm yourself. When a dog, cat, hamster, or bird hear your voice, being aware that you are not alone will ease the symptoms.
