Toxic plants: recognize and avoid

Toxic plants: recognize and avoid

toxic plants: recognize and avoid

When it comes to the flora, you cannot always rely on at first glance that it is harmless. In nature there are a variety of toxic plants that can cause serious health problems if you come into contact with them. It is therefore important to recognize and avoid these plants. In this article we will discuss some of the poisonous plants that occur in Germany, how to recognize them and what precautionary measures to take.

Why are poisonous plants dangerous?

Toxic plants contain certain substances that can harm our body. In some cases, they can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal complaints or even severe poisoning. Children and pets are particularly at risk because they tend to touch or consume plants. Therefore, it is important to know and avoid potentially poisonous plants.

poisonous plants in Germany

Germany is home to various poisonous plants. Some of the most famous and interesting are:

1. ricinus communis (castor oil tree): The seeds of this plant contain the highly toxic ricin. Poisoning can lead to gastrointestinal complaints, kidney failure and, in severe cases, even death. It is therefore important to keep away from this plant and to prevent children from swallowing their seeds.

2. atropa Belladonna (Tollkirsche): The Trollkirsche is one of the most poisonous plants in Germany. All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the berries. During poisoning, symptoms such as dry mouth, visual disturbances, cardiac arrhythmias and seizures can show. A high dose can be fatal.

3. datura stramonium (stollapfel): The punched apple contains various toxic substances such as scopolamine and atropine. Poisoning can lead to hallucinations, confusion, increased heart rate and breathing difficulties. The food of the seeds can be fatal.

4. Taxus baccata (yew): The yew is one of the most poisonous conifers in Europe. All parts of the plant, apart from the red seed coat (Arillus), contain the extremely poisonous taxin. Poisoning can lead to gastrointestinal complaints, drop in blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia and, in the worst case, to death. Even the dust of crushed yew trees can be dangerous.

5. Convallaria Majalis (lily of the valley): The lily of the valley is beautiful but very toxic plants. All parts of the plant, in particular the berries, contain the herzhestone glycoside convallatoxin. Symptoms of poisoning can be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmias and in severe cases.

This list is only a section of the large number of poisonous plants that occur in Germany. It is important to identify the plants in your garden or in nature and know your risk.

plant identification

Proper plant identification is crucial to recognize and avoid toxic plants. Here are some tips that can help you:

1. Familiarize yourself with the poisonous plants in your region. Find out more about the characteristics, locations and the heyday of these plants. A simple Google search or a visit to the local botanical garden can help you.

2. Pay attention to special features. Toxic plants often have specific features that you can differentiate from other plants. These include, for example, striking fruits or flowers, certain leaf shapes, thorns or hair on the plants.

3. Use a plant identification app. There are many apps that can help you identify plants. Download a reliable app and use it to identify poisonous plants.

precautionary measures

After you have learned to identify poisonous plants, there are some precautions that you can take to protect yourself and your family:

1. Avoid contact with poisonous plants. Avoid touching them or coming close to your location. Pay particular attention to the fact that children and pets have no access to these plants.

2. When you work in the garden, wear gloves and long -sleeved clothes to avoid direct contact with the plants.

3. Wash your hands thoroughly when you have come into contact with plants, especially before you eat or put yourself in your face. This removes any poisonous substances.

4. If you suspect that you have come into contact with toxic plants, seek medical help immediately. If possible, bring a sample of the plant to make identification easier.

closing word

Toxic plants can be a serious threat to our health. It is important to find out about the toxic plants in your area, to recognize and avoid them. In particular, make sure that children and pets have no contact with these plants. If you are not sure or suspect that you have come into contact with a toxic plant, see medical help. It is better to be on the safe side and to avoid possible complications.