Wild Hydrangea Is Not Toxic To Humans (2024)

FAQs

Wild Hydrangea Is Not Toxic To Humans? ›

For the ankle-biters in your life, Wild Hydrangea is generally considered safe. It's not candy, so they shouldn't be munching on it, but the occasional leaf or flower won't warrant a trip to the ER. Still, keep an eye on them; kids have a knack for finding trouble.

Sadly, the entire plant, including the flower buds, is quite toxic to pets and children. All parts of Hydrangea contain traces of cyanide. Accidental ingestion could cause shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, and a rapid pulse. Severe cases of poisoning could also lead to convulsions and death.

Hydrangeas are yet another garden favorite with a dangerous defense mechanism. While relatively harmless, eating any part of a hydrangea plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, in very rare cases, touching a hydrangea can give you a rash or skin irritation.

Hydrangeas are beautiful, flower-producing shrubs that have broad, flat green leaves and a large flower bunch that can come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, blue, purple, and white. All parts of the hydrangea plant—including the buds, flowers, leaves, and stems—can cause toxicity in dogs, cats, and horses.

The root and underground stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine. People use hydrangea for bladder infections, prostate infections, enlarged prostate, kidney stones, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Hydrangea might also be unsafe when used in large amounts.

Research on Wild Hydrangea reveals a mixed bag. While all parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycoside, which can be toxic, the risk to humans is relatively low. Poisoning is rare; you'd have to consume a garden's worth to be in real danger.

Toxic compounds in French Hydrangea can cause serious health issues if ingested. Leaves and flowers are most toxic; ingestion, skin contact, inhalation are exposure routes. Wear protective clothing and seek immediate medical attention if exposed.

Several parts of the plant — the buds, flowers, and leaves — contain a compound known as glycoside amygdalin. It's the amygdalin that has the potential to make hydrangea poisonous because it can break down (in several different ways) to produce cyanide.

The leaves and buds contain hydrangin, which has the potential to produce cyanide. When the plant material is ingested, it reacts slowly in the acid pH of the stomach.

Harvesting hydrangea blooms and cutting back perennials is the exception to the rule when it comes to no fall pruning. Start cutting the blooms in August and up until October when the petals feel leathery but are no so old that they are turning brown. Place the cut stem into a vase with one inch of water.

Is it safe to have hydrangeas in the house? ›

Although most people purchase them as disposable houseplants for special occasions, you can successfully grow hydrangeas indoors for years with the proper care and patience. The experts at Plants.com share their professional tips for how to grow hydrangeas indoors and help them flourish.

Hydrangeas are not edible and are poisonous to cats, dogs and horses. All parts of the plant are poisonous because they contain cyanogenic glycoside. Some of the clinical signs you will include diarrhea, vomiting, and or depression.

Noyes from Gardening Chores says you should never try to plant hydrangeas in zones 1 and 2 due to extremely cold temperatures. "Similarly, it is hard to grow hydrangeas in very hot areas of the country; their heat tolerance ranges from zones 8 and 11 (but it is usually 9), according to the variety.

Hydrangea root has been used for hundreds of years to treat urinary conditions like prostate and bladder infections, enlarged prostate, and kidney and bladder stones. However, test-tube and animal research only back up its use as a possible way to protect your kidneys from injury.

The root and rhizome (underground stem) are used to make medicine. Hydrangea is used for urinary tract problems such as infections of the bladder, urethra and prostate; enlarged prostate; and kidney stones. It is also used for hay fever.

Skin measures were taken after weeks four, eight, and 12 weeks. The data showed that facial wrinkles showed that both Hydrangea groups experienced significant reductions in crow's feet around the eyes after eight and 12 weeks, compared to placebo.

Flowers like hydrangeas and baby's breath, while popular in bouquets, are actually toxic. Even if you aren't eating the actual flowers, just contact with the buttercream frosting you will eat could be dangerous, so it's best to stick with flowers that are edible.

Hydrangeas are extremely poisonous. The compounds in the leaves release cyanide when eaten, so keep the plant away from small children or pets. Although they're poisonous, it's reported that ancient Buddhists used the roots as an antioxidant in tea to cure kidney issues—but don't try this at home!