The Buddleia or Buddleia attracts many useful insects, such as butterflies, with its panicle flowers. Botanically, Buddleja davidii belongs to the genus of summer lilac (Buddeleja) from the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). The butterfly bush thrives in the garden or in a bucket 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 contained are:
- Catalpol
- methylcatapol
- Aucubin (glycosides)
Various saponins
the seed of summer lilac form in brown capsule fruits that are five to nine millimeters long and have a diameter of 1.5 to 2 millimeters. The seed itself is spread by the wind. poisoning by the lilac spear, as the butterfly bush is also called, can occur if parts of the plants, especially the seeds, are eaten. Mere contact with the shrub does not lead to any symptoms of poisoning.
Summer lilac, Buddleja
toxicity
For the people
Slightly toxic to children and adults
For humans, the lilac spear is classified as less poisonous, with a greater risk for children after eating parts of the plant risk of poisoning exists than for adults. Therefore, you should not leave small children unattended near buddleia. However, if parts of the plant are eaten, the following symptoms appear.
- Stomach cramps
- diarrhea
- Vomit
- a headache
- nausea
Although the summer lilac usually only causes mild poisoning, if you experience any of the symptoms, especially if your child has nibbled the fruit capsules from the bush, you should take one immediately doctor visit. Never make the child vomit or give him milk to drink, especially the latter even promotes poisoning.
Tip: If you cut off withered flowers, the plant cannot even develop the poisonous capsule fruits.
Summer lilac, Buddleja
For pets
Danger for dogs, cats and herbivores
As for humans, the summer lilac is also slightly poisonous for dogs and cats. Since the shrub does not only grow in the garden, but also in the wild, you should make sure when you walk the dog that it does not nibble on the shrub. When symptoms for poisoning by lilac spear in dogs and cats, the following are given.
- nausea
- Vomit
If your darling has nibbled on the bush, you shouldn't make him vomit, but make him vomit immediately vet visit.
young dogs in the countryside
Tip: Since the seeds and leaves of the summer lilac 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
Danger to herbivorous animals
Since summer lilac contains poison in all parts of the plant, it should not as green fodder for pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs or turtles. In addition, you should not put the green waste on the compost if hungry animals are nearby.