Is Buddleia Poisonous? Information for children, dogs and cats

The summer or butterfly lilac attracts many useful insects, such as butterflies, with its panicle flowers. Botanically, Buddleja davidii belongs to the species of Buddleia (Buddeleja) from the fig family (Scrophulariaceae). The butterfly lilac thrives in the garden or in the tub on the balcony. However, the shrub is not suitable for consumption, as it can lead to slight poisoning in humans and animals.

Toxins

Buddleia is slightly poisonous in all parts of the plant. The leaves and seeds contain the highest proportion of poison.

The toxins it contains are:

• Catalpol
• Methyl catapol
• Aucubin (glycosides)

Various saponins

the Seeds Buddleia form in brown capsule fruits that are five to nine millimeters long and 1.5 to 2 millimeters in diameter. The seed itself is spread by the wind. Poisoning by the lilac spear, as the butterfly lilac is also called, can occur when parts of the plants, especially the seeds, are eaten. Just touching the bush does not lead to any symptoms of poisoning.

Toxicity

For the people

Slightly toxic to children and adults

The lilac spear is classified as less poisonous for humans, with a greater one for children after eating parts of the plant Risk of poisoning exists as for adults. Therefore, young children should not be left unattended near Buddleia. However, if parts of the plant are consumed, the following symptoms arise.

• Stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• Vomit
• headache
• nausea

Although Buddleia is usually only mildly poisoned, it should be when it occurs one of the symptoms, especially if your child has eaten the capsule fruits from the bush, one immediately doctor to seek out. Under no circumstances make the child vomit or give him milk to drink, the latter in particular even promotes poisoning.

Tip: If you cut off withered flowers, the plant cannot develop the poisonous capsule fruits in the first place.

For pets

Danger to dogs, cats and herbivores

As for humans, Buddleia is also slightly poisonous for dogs and cats. Since the shrub not only grows in the garden, but also in the great outdoors, you should make sure that the dog does not nibble on the shrub when you go for a walk. as Symptoms the following are given for poisoning by the lilac spear in dogs and cats.

• nausea
• Vomit

If your darling has nibbled on the bush, you shouldn't make him vomit, but rather one immediately vet to seek out.

Tip: Since the seeds and leaves of the buddleia in particular contain toxins, you should clean the shrub immediately after the flowers have faded. This is the best way to protect dogs and cats from poisoning.

No green fodder

Risk to herbivorous animals

Since buddleia contains poison in all parts of the plant, it should not as green fodder for pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs or turtles. Also, you shouldn't put the green cuttings on the compost when hungry animals are around.