Are Hydrangeas Poisonous to Touch? What You Should Know About Handling These Beauties
Hydrangeas are one of the most popular ornamental plants grown in gardens today. Their large showy flower heads come in a range of captivating colors like pink, blue purple, and white. But behind their beauty, many gardeners wonder – are hydrangeas poisonous to touch?
While hydrangeas contain natural toxins occasional contact is generally not dangerous. However there are some prudent precautions to take when handling these plants to avoid skin irritation or accidental poisoning. Let’s explore what makes hydrangeas potentially problematic, signs of trouble, and wise steps for safely enjoying these flowering shrubs.
The Lowdown on Hydrangea’s Natural Toxins
All parts of the hydrangea plant, including the leaves, flowers, buds, stems, and roots, contain a type of chemical compounds called cyanogenic glycosides. These substances help defend the plant against being eaten by predators.
But they can also convert to hydrogen cyanide if ingested, which interferes with oxygen utilization in the body. The concentration is highest in the leaves and blossoms. So while merely touching hydrangeas may not cause severe issues, eating the plant can truly be toxic.
Minor Risks from Handling Hydrangeas
For most people, occasional, casual contact with hydrangeas is not dangerous. Brushing against the leaves or flowers while pruning or arranging bouquets generally will not cause major problems. However, there are a few minor risks to be aware of:
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Mild Skin Irritation: The plant’s toxins may rarely cause minor itchy rashes or redness in sensitive individuals, especially after contact with sap. Reactions are generally mild if they occur.
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Respiratory Irritation: Some people may experience nasal, throat, or lung irritation like coughing or congestion when exposure is more prolonged. Those with allergies are most at risk.
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Pet/Child Ingestion: Pets who nibble on fallen hydrangea leaves or flowers are at risk for gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or drooling. Children also tend to handle plants and put fingers in mouths, so supervision is needed.
Signs of Hydrangea Poisoning
While touching hydrangeas is generally low risk, ingesting the plants can be quite dangerous. Here are common signs of poisoning if a person or animal eats hydrangea foliage, flowers or woody parts:
- Nausea, vomiting, drooling, diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping, pain
- Fatigue, weakness, depression, confusion
- Rapid heart rate, dilated pupils
-Difficulty breathing, seizures
In severe poisoning cases, coma, organ damage, and even death could occur. Seek emergency medical care if major symptoms appear after someone ingests any part of a hydrangea plant.
Safety Tips for Handling Hydrangeas
While hydrangeas aren’t highly poisonous from touch alone, taking sensible precautions is still advised:
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Wear gloves when pruning or cutting stems to lower contact with sap.
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Wash hands after handling, especially before touching eyes or mouth.
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Keep plants away from areas frequented by children or pets.
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Remove fallen leaves and flowers promptly to prevent accidental ingestion.
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Educate children and pets to avoid chewing on or eating the plants.
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Know the symptoms of poisoning and seek prompt medical care if they appear after ingestion.
With prudent care, most gardeners can safely enjoy the beauty of hydrangeas. But do exercise reasonable caution and supervise little ones around these showy shrubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are certain types of hydrangeas more poisonous than others?
No, all hydrangea species and cultivars contain the toxic glycosides. There are no known non-toxic varieties. Exercise similar caution around all types.
- Can hydrangea sap cause skin burns or rashes?
In very rare cases, contact with the sap may cause minor skin irritation like itching or redness in sensitive individuals. Severe burns are highly unlikely from casual exposure.
- Are dried hydrangeas more toxic than live ones?
Yes, the drying process can concentrate the toxic compounds, making dried hydrangea flowers and foliage more dangerous if ingested in large amounts.
- Can you get sick from smelling hydrangea flowers?
Inhaling the scent of hydrangeas may very rarely cause minor nasal or respiratory irritation in sensitive persons. Severe illness from smelling the flowers is unlikely.
- Should you avoid planting hydrangeas if you have kids or pets?
Not necessarily. With some simple precautions like fencing, glove use, and placement away from play areas, hydrangeas can be grown safely even with curious pets and children around.
The Bottom Line
While hydrangeas contain toxins that can cause skin irritation or poisoning if ingested, occasional handling of these plants is low risk. By wearing gloves during pruning, washing hands after contact, and keeping the shrubs away from child or pet access, most gardeners can continue to enjoy the beauty of hydrangeas safely. Just be sure to teach kids and animals to admire but not nibble!
10 Toxic Plants that Could Harm Kids and Pets
Its a fact of life, some plants can kill you. And if you have pets, children or both, safety should be your top priority. You know how it is with kids or pets; endless exploration and adventuring ensue whenever they’re outside. This increases the risk of accidental poisoning.
We may not be able to protect our loved ones all the time, but we can take steps to make the garden a safer place for playing or relaxing. Consider housing potentially dangerous plants in enclosed spaces; you can even buy timber online to create protective barriers that keep them out of reach. Along with staying vigilant whenever pets or children are outside, here are some toxic plants you should never grow in your garden:
Are Hydrangeas Poisonous to Dogs?
Yes Hydrangeas are poisonous to dogs but not fatal in most cases if handled properly. It is best to contact your veterinarian to seek their guidance. Some dogs are chewers especially puppies. Your slippers aren’t the only thing they will chew until it is unrecognizable. They will chew chair legs, the baby’s favorite blanket, purses, toilet paper, rugs and the list goes on.
Outside they are likely to chew plants or pick up sticks and chew on them as well. To prevent the hydrangeas and other favorite plants from being the new object of your pets chewing affection, here are some products available to homeowners that give plants a bad taste and teach them not to eat the plants:
Hydrangeas are poisonous
FAQ
What happens if you touch a hydrangea?
Additionally, in very rare cases, touching a hydrangea can give you a rash or skin irritation.
Are hydrangeas toxic to skin?
Symptoms. All parts of the plant are poisonous. If eaten, symptoms can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Skin contact can cause dermatitis, rash or irritation.
How toxic are hydrangeas to humans?
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.
Is it OK to pick hydrangeas?
When to Cut Hydrangeas. Cutting your hydrangeas at the right time is key. “First and foremost, flower heads are not ready for harvesting until mid-summer,” says AIFD floral designer Jane Godshalk, an instructor at Longwood Gardens.
Are hydrangeas poisonous?
The jury’s still out on the full extent of hydrangeas’ toxicity. However, some poisonous varieties have been confirmed. According to research by Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, hydrangeas from China’s Sichuan Province were found to contain toxins. So, it seems the presence and type of poison can vary depending on the species and individual plant.
Are hydrangeas safe to touch?
Here’s the key point around handling hydrangeas: glycosides must be broken down to release cyanide, so touching alone usually poses little risk. Only trace absorbed amounts of the intact compounds may lead to minor skin irritation in some cases.
Can hydrangeas cause a rash?
For individuals with sensitive skin, direct contact with hydrangeas may rarely cause a minor irritation or rash. The plant’s toxic compounds could trigger a reaction, especially among those with preexisting allergies. Kids also have delicate skin that may be reactive. Still, severe responses are incredibly uncommon.
Is Hydrangea a skin irritant?
Fresh hydrangea stems and leaves are covered in a thin sap that can act as a mild skin irritant for some. Getting large amounts of hydrangea sap on your hands and not washing it off promptly can increase the chances of skin irritation.
Are hydrangeas poisonous to dogs?
The toxicity of hydrangeas first came to public attention when symptoms like stumbling, agitation, and seizures were observed in animals like horses and cows that had eaten the plants. Animals, especially dogs, often eat leaves, so they’re at a higher risk of being affected.
What happens if you eat hydrangea leaves?
Hydrangeas contain a compound called hydrangin, which is a cyanogenic glycoside. When ingested, it can break down into hydrogen cyanide, a toxic substance that interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen. Ingesting hydrangea leaves, flowers, or buds may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and dizziness.