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Helleborus niger in family garden- too dangerous?
Hello,
I have just purchased a small Helleborus niger, also known as Christmas rose, and didn't know that it is poisonous in larger quantities. I have googled a bit and found out that the seeds are especially dangerous but couldn't find anything about the leaves or flowers.
We have a toddler and although she doesn't take things in her mouth anymore I am now unsure if I should plant it or give it back to the Garden centre. I would love to keep it as we have clay soil and part shade, so this plant is ideal, but obviously I won't risk the safety of my child! Does anyone have this plant and children and can advise me? Thank you!
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I would keep it, if you remove the flowers when they have died you won't get the seed heads. I found that my children trampled plants rather than eat them
We had 5 children and 7 grandchildren wandering about our gardens over the last 40 years or so and we never managed to poison one of them, despite having a garden full of deadly plants. Teach the toddler not to eat anything out of the garden without asking permission and they will be safe. Otherwise you end up growing grass and then they might just eat that after a dog/cat/pigeon/magpie/hedgehog has used it for a toiilet.
. (I am being facetious by the way. I do understand your concern).
Keep it. Remove the flowers before the seeds form & yes teach children that things from the garden are a 'no no'. Ok if you also grow vegs/salads that could be difficult, but a truthful explanation the best way. J.
Anybody on this board have personal knowledge of a child being poisoned by anything in the garden?
The chances of it happening are vanishingly small, I believe.
A child is more likely to be poisoned by pills left carelessly about the house.
are these plant poisoness to chickens or rabbits? we have recently aquired both and I have loads of these plants in my garden and I usually let them seed everywhere!
If everything was as dangerous as some would have us believe, the human race would've died out by now. Holly berries, misletoe, rhubarb leaves, potato seeds, foxgloves - all contain toxins - but how many generations of children have gained pleasure from wearing the"little folk's gloves" on their fingers and thumbs?
While children are still young enough to put things in their mouth they should not be in the garden unsupervised. As they grow they should be taught not to eat anything from the garden without asking first. Then they will learn that they can eat the contents of a pod of fresh peas with relish, and ignore the seeds from the laburnum.
My siblings and I ran wild in gardens and fields - we were taught what was edible and what was not. I've eaten all sorts of wild things, but only what I've been taught is safe.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thank you all for your answers, I am relieved to hear that I don't have to ban every plant that contains toxins! Now I just have to make the border to get started
At least 40% of all plant families contain plants that carry alkaloids - some alkaloids can be harmful and fatal, whilst others help to wake us up in the morning (ie coffee).
With so many posioness plants in the garden, and inquisative children, you'd think there would be control of toxic plants, or big warning notices on plant labels saying don't let children (or anybody else) eat this plant. In fact, such warnings are few and far between, because its clearly a very rare incident.
Refering back to Bunnies and Chooks question - does anyone know the answer? I have cats, birds, squirrals, foxes and badgers in my garden - are they all safe? Oh i love to watch the Jackdaws too -they are one of my favourites.