Is Gorse Poisonous? You should know that!

Gorse is a popular ornamental plant in the home garden, but many people are not aware that this plant is poisonous. The broom is a feast for the eyes, but it contains harmful alkaloids. These can cause serious symptoms of intoxication in both humans and animals. Depending on the appearance, the various types of gorse differ in the composition of the poison and in its mode of action. However, all varieties are poisonous and should therefore be consumed with caution.

Toxicity

All types of gorse contain alkaloids and for this reason lead to toxic symptoms when consumed. If you still want to plant the beautifully blooming broom in your garden, you should find out about the risks and symptoms of possible poisoning beforehand. The exact composition of the alkaloids varies with the respective varieties, but this fact does not change the poisonous properties. Every gorse is more or less poisonous and therefore dangerous for everyone who deals with the plant. This includes mainly babies and toddlers, but also herbivorous ones

Pets, Horses, dogs and cats.

• Determine the species exactly before planting
• Obtain information on the effects and composition of the toxins
• Flowers, leaves and twigs are all poisonous
• as soon as alkaloids come into contact with saliva, the poison works
• Also absorbed through the stomach
• Poisoning manifests itself in severe circulatory and heart problems
• gastrointestinal complaints are also common after consumption
• the seeds are also harmful to health
• symptoms of poisoning appear from 5-10 pieces

Risk of poisoning

Poisoning in adults and children

The gorse has a very unpleasant taste, which usually precludes the consumption of the plant parts. However, direct contact with the Cytisus scoparius can often not be avoided when working in the garden. In addition, it is especially important for parents of young children to know that the gorse is poisonous. The youngsters like to put new things in their mouths and chew on them. But older and demented people should not have unsupervised contact with the broom, as they are no longer clearly aware of the risk of poisoning and its consequences.

• Always be careful when handling the gorse
• It is better to avoid gorse planting in babies and small children
• The offspring are particularly interested in the bright flowers
• parts of plants are often put into the mouth without knowing it
• in children the effect of the poison is much stronger than in adults
• The weaker immune system of older people is also a problem
• Even small amounts of the alkaloids lead to poisoning that is dangerous to health
• Poisoning is manifested by increased salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea
• particularly bad cases end with unconsciousness, respiratory paralysis and intestinal obstruction

Toxic to animals

Poisoning in animals

The broom can also be dangerous for pets and farm animals after ingestion. Therefore, the keeper should have sufficient information about the consequences of consumption and contact with the plant. For this reason, the broom should not be planted in areas where animals can roam freely. Otherwise it can lead to them nibbling on the brightly colored flowers or the lush green leaves out of curiosity. In addition, the seeds, which are also highly poisonous, may be consumed. Do not settle gorse near ponds, as parts of plants and seeds can fall into the water, which then lead to fatal symptoms of poisoning in the fish.

• poisonous to horses and sheep in pasture
• also dangerous for dogs and cats
• Hares, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds are also at risk
• Poisoning manifests itself first as increased salivation
• then restlessness and excitement follow, with vomiting and diarrhea
• this then leads to paralysis and constipation
• in extreme cases even to complete unconsciousness and to intestinal obstruction
• pregnant mares can go into premature labor from ingestion

measures

First aid measures

Since it also grows wild in the local latitudes, constant vigilance is required on an excursion into the countryside, especially with small children and animals. However, children as well as animals like to nibble on gorse. In addition, they touch the plant with their hands or paws, which are then put into the mouth and licked off. If, despite all caution, contact does occur, concerned parents and pet owners should react immediately. As soon as the first symptoms are noticed, immediate action is required. Only in this way can particularly severe poisoning be avoided in the long term.

• Increased salivation is often the first sign of poisoning
• in both humans and animals
• act at the preliminary stage of poisoning
• there are enormous risks in the event of poisoning by alkaloids
• Contact an emergency doctor or veterinarian immediately after eating gorse
• fast medical help is the only solution

Safe handling

Safe handling

Many hobby gardeners plant the gorse in their own garden without being aware of its poisonous properties. Others know about these dangerous properties and take the risk, as the gorse enchants with bright flowers, especially in its flowering period. However, the danger posed by the plant should not be underestimated if it has been ingested. This danger exists for both humans and animals. The poison is present in all parts of the gorse plant and is therefore also contained in the plant sap. This sap is especially released when the branches are cut. Therefore, when handling the broom, precautionary measures must always be taken in order to avoid symptoms of poisoning in advance.

• do not touch with bare hands
• avoid direct contact with mucous membranes
• Always wear gloves when working in the garden
• Pay particular attention to good protection when cutting
• do not use it as a cut flower in a family environment
• also unsuitable for people with dementia
• do not plant directly next to children's playgrounds