Poisonous privet: dangerous for humans and animals?

Even if the privet is often found in our gardens, few people know that it can be poisonous to humans and animals. We clarify.

liguster (Ligustrum) is one of the less 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 Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety's list of poisonous plants. 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 picked up by an unsuspecting child in Put in the mouth or mistaken for edible berries, symptoms of poisoning can occur come. However, this requires larger quantities. A critical dose is not yet known. The Bonn University Hospital also classifies privet as slightly toxic.

Possible symptoms of privet poisoning:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• Vomit
• circulatory disorders
• headache
• seizures

If berries have been eaten or if symptoms are already appearing, then 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 and the affected person should consult a doctor immediately.

Poisonous privet: symptoms and treatment in animals

Whether privet is poisonous to animals or not cannot be said in general terms. 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 some wild rodents also find a good meal here. However, you should keep your own rodents away from the plant. Even horses cannot tolerate privet.

Cats, on the other hand, are unlikely to gnaw 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, it is better to give the young dog a gnawing bone so that it does not nibble 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 you experience these symptoms, you should definitely consult a veterinarian.

If, despite the slight toxicity, you are interested in a liguster in your garden, you will find all the important information on the subject here.