Many spring bulbs, including hyacinths and daffodils forced for indoor blooms, are toxic if eaten by humans or pets. Eating the bulbs (which can be mistaken for shallots or onions) can cause intense stomach problems, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and even death.
Are hyacinths poisonous to eat?
Eating even a small amount of the bulb can cause serious stomach upset. The poisonous compounds, calcium oxalate raphides, can also cause skin irritation. Far from being poisonous, some species of grape hyacinth are actually edible. The flowers of Muscari botryoides, for instance, have a sour, slightly grapey taste.
Are Grape Hyacinth Bulbs toxic?
Grape hyacinth bulbs are not toxic, but the similar-looking common hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) does have poisonous bulbs. Native to parts of Europe and Asia, grape hyacinths are generally quite cold-tolerant, overwintering underground and popping up in springtime.
What are hyacinths associated with?
Hyacinths are often associated with spring and rebirth. The hyacinth flower is used in the Haft-Seen table setting for the Persian New Year celebration, Nowruz, held at the Spring Equinox.
Are bluebells and hyacinths safe for children?
Bluebells and hyacinths may look pretty but there are hidden dangers. Here's our guide to keeping your child safe outdoors Serious poisoning by plants is not common in the UK. Some garden plants present a hazard, but the risk of severe poisoning, skin reaction or allergy is generally low.
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How toxic are hyacinths?
The toxic principle of these plants is very concentrated in the bulbs (versus the leaf or flower), and when ingested in large amounts, can result in severe clinical signs. Severe poisoning from hyacinth or tulip poisoning is often seen when dogs dig up freshly planted bulbs or having access to a large bag of them.
Can hyacinth make you sick?
Hyacinth. Many spring bulbs, including hyacinths and daffodils, are toxic if eaten by humans or pets. Hyacinth bulbs can be mistaken for shallots or onions and, if eaten, can cause intense stomach problems, high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat.
Can you eat hyacinths flowers?
The tender leaves and flowers, after careful washing, may be eaten raw in a salad with just a simple oil and vinegar dressing, or as a wilted salad dressed with a hot mixture of sauteed bacon, vinegar and a bit of sugar. Leaves also may be steamed as greens, or added to soups and stews.
Are hyacinth blooms poisonous?
Hyacinths. These gorgeous house flowering plants are as fragrant as they are gorgeous, and they come in deep purples, pinks, whites, yellows, reds, blues, apricots, and lavenders. Unfortunately, these dense and tall flowers can be toxic to cats, even from inhaling them!
Are hyacinths poisonous to touch?
Hyacinth “The bulbs tend to be skin irritants,” says Guy. “They contain oxalic acid, which is also found in rhubarb, and would give you a stomach upset if you ate them.” “The are potentially harmful,” says Guy.
Are purple hyacinths poisonous?
Purple hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus) is a vining annual typically grown for its flowers, although most of the plant is edible....How to Grow and Care for Purple Hyacinth Bean.Common NamesPurple hyacinth bean, Indian bean, Tonga bean, LabLab, tobacco vineHardiness Zones10–11 (USDA)Native AreaAfricaToxicityToxic to people and pets19 more rows•Apr 22, 2022
Are hyacinths petals edible?
Grape hyacinth is a bulb in the lily family featuring pretty, purple, edible flowers that taste like bitter grapes.
What are hyacinths good for?
These hyacinth bean plants also serve as ornamental plants....Health Benefits Of Hyacinth:Treats Cholera: The stem of this plant can be used to treat cholera. ... Heals Sore Throat: ... Treats Snake Bites: ... Works To Treat STIs: ... Works As An Anti-inflammatory Agent: ... For Healthier Digestion: ... Controls Cholestrol: ... Great For Women:More items...•
Can humans eat flower bulbs?
Although there are types of flower bulbs you can eat, always, always, always check with a professional first. Your local cooperative extension office is a good place to start. The exception, of course, are edible flower bulbs such as onions, garlic, and leeks.
What flower is poisonous to humans?
Nerium oleander the sweetly scented killer The elegant Nerium oleander, the blossoms of which are crimson, magenta or creamy white, is one of the most toxic plants in the world. Every part of the plant, from its stem to its sap, is incredibly poisonous if ingested.
Do hyacinth bulbs make you itch?
If you have ever handled hyacinth bulbs, you may have experienced some degree of itchiness. Some people may feel nothing, others have a mild reaction, and some experience an intense itchy reaction to hyacinth bulbs.
Are blue hyacinths poisonous?
Hyacinth bulbs are poisonous; they contain oxalic acid. Handling hyacinth bulbs can cause mild skin irritation.
When do grape hyacinths go dormant?
In the late spring when the bulbs finish flowering, they will go dormant through the summer months. The bulbs will spread each year; however, grape hyacinth doesn't spread aggressively.
What is the name of the flower that is edible?
Two other popular species, Muscari atlanticum (USDA zones 4 to 7), which is also known as Muscari neglectum, and Muscari botryoides (USDA zones 3 to 8), or compact grape hyacinth , both have edible flowers, notes Colorado State University Extension. Like the name, they have a grape flavor that is a bit sour.
Is grape hyacinth safe for dogs?
Grape hyacinth is listed on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals's list of nontoxic plants, and it is safe for cats, dogs and horses. There are several popular species, including Muscari armeniacum (USDA zones 4 to 8) that you can consider planting in your garden.
Do grape hyacinth bulbs come back?
Grape hyacinth bulbs are perennials and will come back year after year if they are hardy in your climate zone. The plants are easy to grow and are rarely affected by pests or disease. Grape hyacinth adds beautiful spring color to your border or rock garden or around trees and shrubs.
Can grape hyacinth cause asthma?
Some people also experience irritation in the nose and asthma. If you have children or pets, consider planting the safe grape hyacinth species rather than hyacinth.
How many species are there in the hyacinth?
Species. Three species are placed within the genus Hyacinthus: Hyacinthus litwinovii. Hyacinthus orientalis - common, Dutch or garden hyacinth. Hyacinthus transcaspicus. Some authorities place H. litwonovii and H. transcaspicus in the related genus Hyacinthella, which would make Hyacinthus a monotypic genus.
What is the name of the hyacinth?
The Persian word for hyacinth is سنبل ( sonbol ). The name ὑάκινθος ( hyakinthos) was used in Ancient Greece for at least two distinct plants, which have variously been identified as Scilla bifolia or Orchis quadripunctata and Consolida ajacis (larkspur). Plants known by this name were sacred to Aphrodite.
How tall does hyacinthus grow?
In the wild species, the flowers are widely spaced with as few as two per raceme in H. litwinovii and typically six to eight in H. orientalis which grows to a height of 15–20 cm (6–8 in).
Where do hyacinths come from?
The genus is native to the area of the eastern Mediterranean from the north of Bulgaria through to the northern part of the region of Palestine.
Where did hyacinths originate?
Cultivation. The Dutch, or common hyacinth of house and garden culture ( H. orientalis, native to southwest Asia) was so popular in the 18th century that over 2,000 cultivars were grown in the Netherlands, its chief commercial producer.
Is a hyacinth edible?
Some members of the plant subfamily Scilloideae are commonly called hyacinths but are not members of the genus Hyacinthus and are edible; one example is the tassel hyacinth, which forms part of the cuisine of some Mediterranean countries.
Why do people eat hyacinth beans?
The seeds are used as medicine. People take hyacinth beans by mouth to prevent pregnancy and for diarrhea and stomach disorders.
Can hyacinth beans cause diarrhea?
Diarrhea. Stomach disorders. Other conditions. More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of hyacinth bean for these uses. Side Effects. Hyacinth beans are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when eaten raw and in large amounts. Raw hyacinth beans contain certain chemicals, called cyanogenic glycosides, which can be poisonous.
Where do toxins come from in plants?
Plant toxins tend to concentrate in the bulb of some of the most popular flowering plants that develop from bulbs, but other parts of the plant also contain the toxins.
What happens if you touch a marigold bulb?
Frequent contact with the bulbs can lead to dermatitis —particularly in people with sensitive skin. African violet, pot marigold, or Barberton daisy. 11. English Ivy. Contact with ivy leaves can cause the skin to redden, itch, and blister. Ingestion can cause fevers, difficulty breathing, delirium, and convulsions.
What causes a dieffenbachia to sting?
All parts of a dieffenbachia contain raphides, which are needle-shaped crystals of calcium oxalate. Raphides cause stinging and burning sensations in the lips, mouth, tongue, and digestive tract. They can also cause tears in soft tissue, leading to inflammation and swelling that can prevent speech (hence, "dumb cane").
Why is the Dieffenbachia called the dumb cane?
Dieffenbachia was given its alternate name of "dumb cane" because the plant can literally strike someone dumb if they eat it. The stem also resembles that of a cane plant.
Can raphides cause rash?
In more serious cases, raphides can block the airways and interfere with breathing. The skin may develop a rash and an itch after exposure to the plant's sap. Contact with the eyes can damage the cornea—the outer layer of the eye—and cause extreme pain. It's a good idea to wear gloves when handling the plant.
Is Dieffenbachia safe for everyone?
It's possible that a species generally considered to be safe may not be so for everyone, especially for those who are sensitive to a particular chemical in the plant. pinterest-pin-it. Dieffenbachia ingestion can cause irritation, swelling, inflammation, and numbing of the lips, tongue, and airways.
Is a baby rubber plant toxic?
Their leaves are smaller than a dieffenbachia's, but they are non-toxic and are safe around pets and children.
What are some poisonous plants for toddlers?
13 poisonous plants your toddler should watch out for…. 1. Giant ho gweed. One mum is warning against the dangers of hogweed after her son suffered serious, painful burn-like blisters on his hands and arms, says the Mail Online. While it’s a pretty plant (often found beside riverbanks and along paths), the sap is toxic.
Is poisoning by plants common in the UK?
Serious poisoning by plants is not common in the UK. Some garden plants present a hazard, but the risk of severe poisoning, skin reaction or allergy is generally low.
Is Aconitum napellus poisonous?
Aconitum napellus goes by many other names – including monkshood, wolfsbane, leopard’s bane, mousebane, women’s bane, devil’s helmet, queen of poisons and blue rocket. This is widely planted, Miranda tells us – ‘”but can be deadly”. The RHS website confirms that every part of this plant is toxic if eaten. 6. Foxglove.
Can kids eat horse chestnuts?
Horse chestnut. “It’s the seeds that are attractive and kids might be tempted to eat them thinking they are sweet chestnuts,” says Guy. “Children should be told to enjoy playing with conkers but not to chew on the seeds,” he adds.
Is Foxglove poisonous?
“There’s a material in them called digitoxin, which is actually used in medicines for heart failure, but it can be poisonous if eaten ,” says Guy.
Can Morning Glory cause hallucinations?
10. Morning Glory. “They contain alkaloids, which can have a toxic effect, and they can also be psychoactive so can cause hallucinations. As a result, you need to be careful of them,” says Guy. “So be careful of the foliage and the seeds, but there’s nothing reported about skin contact.”. 11.
Is hyacinth bad for you?
“The bulbs tend to be skin irritants,” says Guy. “They contain oxalic acid, which is also found in rhubarb, and would give you a stomach upset if you ate them.”. “The are potentially harmful,” says Guy. “The flowers and the foliage are not reported to be bad, but it wouldn’t do you much good if consumed.”.
What happens if you pull a grape hyacinth?
Pulling the stalk of a grape hyacinth will often result in the leaves separating from the corm, leaving them in the earth to survive to the next growth season, which comes twice a year in spring and fall.
How many seed pods does a grape hyacinth have?
Each individual corm can produce up to three 4-inch stalks, which produce up to 40 tightly clustered flowers, each of which can produce three seed pods.
Is a hyacinth edible?
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension explains that these flowers aren’t actually hyacinths ; they just look like them. Technically a part of the lily family, these little plants grow from bulbs, or “corms.”. These are not actual hyacinths, which are deadly to humans. Instead, these flowers and bulbs are edible.
Can you use Roundup on grape hyacinth bulbs?
Penn Live also suggests that you can use chemicals like Roundup to eliminate your grape hyacinth bulbs, but this should only be done if you have reviewed the ingredients in such a product and are certain it’s safe for your use. Proceed with extreme caution and avoid Roundup entirely if you have pets or children.
Does God need help with toxic chemicals?
Remove The Toxic Chemicals: Fortunately, God gave us the ability to rule our environment rather than let it overpower us. In doing so, he created our bodies to heal themselves…without drugs or surgeries. God needs no help, just no interference. Toxicity = Major Interference .
Is it true that we are all toxic?
Actually, the truth is that we are all toxic to a certain degree . In this article, you will discover the 5 most toxic chemicals impacting human health and how to avoid exposing yourself to these. As the bucket theory explains; we are all adding to our toxic load everyday, however, it isn’t until we have filled our bucket up to the point ...

Overview
Hyacinthus is a small genus of bulbous, spring-blooming perennials. They are fragrant flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae and are commonly called hyacinths /ˈhaɪəsɪnθs/. The genus is native to the area of the eastern Mediterranean from the south of Turkey to Palestine, although naturalized more widely.
Description
Hyacinthus grows from bulbs, each producing around four to six linear leaves and one to three spikes or racemes of flowers. In the wild species, the flowers are widely spaced with as few as two per raceme in H. litwinovii and typically six to eight in H. orientalis which grows to a height of 15–20 cm (6–8 in). Cultivars of H. orientalis have much denser flower spikes and are generally more robust.
Systematics
The genus name Hyacinthus was attributed to Joseph Pitton de Tournefort when used by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. It is derived from a Greek name used for a plant by Homer, ὑάκινθος (hyákinthos), the flowers supposedly having grown up from the blood of a youth of this name accidentally killed by the god Zephyr. The original wild plant known as hyakinthos to Homer has been identified with Scilla bifolia, among other possibilities. Linnaeus defined the genus Hyacint…
Distribution
The genus Hyacinthus is considered native to the eastern Mediterranean from southern Turkey to north Israel, including Turkey, Turkmenistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and the region of Palestine. It is widely naturalized elsewhere, including Europe (the Netherlands, France, Sardinia, Italy, Sicily, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Greece and Cyprus), Korea, North America (United States and Canada) and central Mexico, Cuba and Haiti.
Cultivation
The Dutch, or common hyacinth of house and garden culture (H. orientalis, native to southwest Asia) was so popular in the 18th century that over 2,000 cultivars were grown in the Netherlands, its chief commercial producer. This hyacinth has a single dense spike of fragrant flowers in shades of red, blue, white, orange, pink, violet or yellow. A form of the common hyacinth is the less hardy and smaller blue- or white-petalled Roman hyacinth of florists. These flowers need indirect sunli…
Toxicity
Hyacinth bulbs are poisonous; they contain oxalic acid. Handling hyacinth bulbs can cause mild skin irritation. Protective gloves are recommended.
Some members of the plant subfamily Scilloideae are commonly called hyacinths but are not members of the genus Hyacinthus and are edible; one example is the tassel hyacinth, which forms part of the cuisine of some Mediterranean countries.
Culture
Hyacinths are often associated with spring and rebirth. The hyacinth flower is used in the Haft-Seen table setting for the Persian New Year celebration, Nowruz, held at the Spring Equinox. The Persian word for hyacinth is سنبل (sonbol).
The name ὑάκινθος (hyakinthos) was used in Ancient Greece for at least two distinct plants, which have variously been identified as Scilla bifolia or Orchis qu…
Gallery
• Wild-type Hyacinthus orientalis in cultivation
• Pink cultivar
• Hyacinth cultivars in Floriade, Canberra
• Hyacinth cultivars in Floriade, Canberra