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The Beautiful Plant That’s Actually Dangerous
By D.G. SCIORTINO
Although delphiniums are beautiful, these towering purple and blue petaled plants sprout up during the summer and make a gorgeous but dangerous addition to your garden.
Delphinium, also known as larkspur, is considered to be extremely toxic. Consumption of the plant or its seeds can lead to intense nausea and muscle spasms.
In worst-case scenarios, delphiniums can even cause paralysis or death. This makes it very hazardous to have in areas where livestock graze, pets roam, and children play.
Every part of the delphinium plant is poisonous, including its roots, seeds, leaves, and buds. It also is highly potent, as it only takes 2 milligrams to take a human’s life.
Delphinium has high concentrations of diterpenoid alkaloids, which cause neurotoxicity in animals and humans by shutting down nerves from communicating with the brain and muscles.
This can lead to respiratory shutdown, bloating, paralysis, and death. The plant, which grows up to 6 feet tall, is most toxic as a seed and in its early stages of growth.
Signs of delphinium poisoning include salivating, vomiting, weakness, twitching, and a rapid pulse. Dogs may have constipation, dehydration, colic, seizures, or cardiac arrest.