The Toxicity of Daffodil Bulbs
Daffodil bulbs contain poisonous substances called alkaloids that circulate throughout the plant. Daffodil sap can cause skin irritation and rashes. Most animals will not eat daffodil bulbs because of their unpleasant taste. Does this Spark an idea?
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Alkaloids
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Daffodil bulbs contain poisonous compounds called alkaloids that harm body tissue by rapidly disrupting cell division. Eating daffodil bulbs results in severe nausea and vomiting, and can lead to death if immediate medical attention is not sought.
Other Toxins
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Daffodils contain calcium oxalate crystals, found in especially high concentrations in the stems and the sap. Calcium oxalate crystals make tiny cuts in human tissue when daffodil sap gets on the skin, causing a rash and irritation.
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Considerations
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The substances that make daffodil bulbs toxic also give them an unpleasant taste. Daffodils are recommended as deer and gopher resistant flowers, because animals avoid them.
Expert Insight
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Toxic compounds in daffodil bulbs that circulate throughout the plant can kill other cut flowers exposed to daffodils in a vase. To prevent damage to a bouquet from daffodil sap, change the water in the vase daily.
Prevention/Solution
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Wear gloves when planting, cutting or working with daffodils to prevent skin rash. Wash hands well after gardening. Keep pets and children out of daffodil beds. Contact a vet or doctor immediately if pets or people ingest any daffodil parts.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Daffodil image by azzzh from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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can you plant peas in large pot if there are daffodil bulbs at the bottom of the plant. Will the toxins be taken in by the peas?
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My daffodills are growing! I got some bulbs last year when I ordered some dwarf apple trees. They didn't get planted then because it was too late in the year, so this spring, I thought to plant them, they looked dead, but I stuck them in water, and most of them are getting new roots. Yeah!
