Is delphinium poisonous? Dangers to children, dogs and cats

The delphinium is a popular plant, especially in cottage gardens. Not every species is poisonous, but there are two varieties, Delphinium Belladonna and elatum, which are certified to be very toxic. In particular, the seeds contained in the fruits should be mentioned here, but all other parts of the plant are also generally considered to be poisonous. Therefore, the graceful plant should not be grown in gardens with small children or dogs and cats.

Is delphinium poisonous?

This question can be answered clearly with a “yes”. In 2015, the popular delphinium was even selected as poisonous plant of the year by the Hamburg-Wandsbeck Botanical Special Garden. This choice has existed since 2004 and is intended to draw attention to the risk posed by plants in one's own gardens. The homeowners and hobby gardeners should be sensitized to the plants they cultivate. Especially when children and pets are in the garden, it is important to know which plants are poisonous and which are not. The toxins contained in the species Belladonna and Elatum are similar to those contained in the blue monkshood and are particularly dangerous for small children and animals.

Toxic ingredients

Each species has toxins, but there are varieties that are particularly dangerous because they contain more poisonous substances than the others. These include the field and garden knight's spur and the high delphinium. First of all, here are those contained in the fruits Seedshighly toxic and dangerous, especially for a small child and pets whose bodies do not weigh as much. However, all other parts of the delphinium are also considered poisonous:

• high levels of poisonous alkaloids
• here also just diterpenoids
• Methyllycaconitine
• Elatin
• Dolphin
• Lycotonin
• Ester alkaloids Delsolin and Delcosine
• in high concentration in the seeds
• lower concentration in all other parts

Note: So far, no symptoms of poisoning from mere skin contact with Delphinium are known. However, sensitive people can develop a rash.

Effect of the alkaloids

The alkaloids mentioned above have a paralyzing effect on the nervous system. The ester alkaloids, on the other hand, even have a paralyzing effect on the heart muscle and, in the worst case and at high doses, can trigger central respiratory paralysis. Nevertheless, the seeds, in which the toxins are contained in higher doses, are used in medicine. When used correctly, the remedies help against parasite infestation, stye on the eyes, states of exhaustion or itchy eczema. This varies depending on the type of delphinium. The essential oils made from delphisin and delphinoidin are usually responsible for a rash in sensitive people when touched.

Endangerment for children

Small children up to elementary school age in particular are very curious and use everything they can find on plants, flowers and leaves in the garden to play. People cook, bake and decorate themselves with wreaths of flowers. Delphinium is therefore particularly dangerous when there is a small child in the garden. On the other hand, older children from primary school age can already be explained the dangers of why one or the other plant should not be touched. Therefore, the little ones should be kept away from a delphinium for the following reasons:

• Never put seeds in your mouth
• ingestion can be very dangerous
• the fruits can magically attract the curious little ones
• all other parts should not be touched either

Note: If you have a young child in the family who also hangs out in the garden, you should focus on cultivating Refrain from delphiniums completely and wait until the child has grown enough to understand that some plants are poisonous could be.

Endangerment for animals

Dogs and cats, which often nibble on plants in the garden, are also very much at risk. Especially the young animals of puppy age nibble on all kinds of plants out of curiosity. Hence, a pet owner should think about cultivating the poisonous plants in the garden. If the dogs are always under supervision, the larkspurs can be placed behind a fence. It is more difficult to supervise an outdoor cat. If you don't have any animals yourself, but live in a neighborhood with outdoor cats, you should also think about planting. As beautiful and decorative as the plants are, animal life should always be more important and the dangers of an animal roaming the garden unattended are great.

Note: According to expert reports, around ten percent of the symptoms of poisoning in dogs and cats can be traced back to poisonous plants cultivated in the garden or in the house. You can prevent this by doing without such plants altogether.

Symptom of poisoning

If the toxins from the decorative plant have been ingested and swallowed by children or animals, symptoms usually occur which, depending on the severity, can be as follows:

• Numbness and tingling sensations
• especially on the hands and feet
• on the tongue
• increased salivation
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• nervousness
• Movement disorders
• slow heartbeat
• slowed breathing

tip: Symptoms of poisoning in animals are similar to those in humans. If a child or animal that has previously played in the garden suddenly behaves abnormally, you should initiate first aid immediately.

First aid

If a child or even a pet shows the symptoms mentioned above and it could well be plant poisoning, then you should be the first keep Calm. Because if people around you suddenly become nervous and hectic, this is also transferred to the child or animal. A call to the Poison Control Center is recommended if it is certain that parts of the delphinium have been consumed. Because here the antidotes are known. You should also dial 112 immediately and without hesitation. Then proceed as follows until the emergency service arrives:

• Examine mouth for debris
• Pack any leftovers
• show the attending physician
• Give activated charcoal tablets
• binds the toxins in the stomach
• do not induce vomiting
• act calmly on the person concerned
• Bring into the stable side position
• possibly keep fruits or seeds
• take with you to the hospital

tip: If your dog or cat shows signs of poisoning, you should take the animal to the nearest veterinary practice as soon as possible. In some cities there is already an animal emergency number where the vet comes to your home on the move, which can be a great advantage, especially on weekends and in the evening / at night.

Toxicity sources:

https://www.tiermedizinportal.de/giftpflanzen/rittersporn-delphinium-consolida/142414

https://www.medmix.at/rittersporn-delphinium-giftigen-alkaloide/

www.natur-lexikon.com/Texte/MZ/003/00279-Garten-Rittersporn/MZ00279-Garten-Rittersporn.html

Note: Please note that this article does not in any way replace a visit to the doctor. There is no guarantee that medical statements are correct.
You will find detailed information on first aid in the event of poisoning and important information on poison control centers here.