With its clusters of showy pink and white heyday , mountain bay wreath ( Kalmia latifolia ) is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful flowering bush in North America . However behind its visual appeal lies a dark arcanum – all parts of this works are highly poisonous . Even just touch the sight Stan Laurel may cause harmful effects in man .
In this comprehensive guide , we ’ll explore the toxicity of mountain laurel and answer the key question is deal laurel toxicant to touch ? Read on to learn about the dangers of this decorative plant life and how to safely love its beauty without risking your wellness
Mountain laurel is an evergreen plant bush native to the eastern United States . grow up to 15 feet grandiloquent , it produces delicate flush ranging from white to pink to redden . The glossy elliptical leaves allow for twelvemonth - bout verdure .
While visually stunning , every part of the mount laurel plant hold grayanotoxins . These toxic compounds disrupt proper face signaling transmission , inducing heftiness palsy , convulsions , and even dying at high dose .
farm animal have died from browsing on mountain laurel leaf . Even love made from the flora ’s ambrosia can be life-threatening . So while mountain Stan Laurel merit a spot in woodland gardens , it must be wield with care .
Is Mountain Laurel Poisonous to Touch?
The simple answer is yes – touching the mountain laurel flora can make poisoning symptom . Contact with the leave of absence , stems , blossom or sap may nark the skin or even be absorb into the body through snub and detrition . reaction graze from mild to severe .
physical contact dermatitis is rare with flock bay wreath . Some people may develop a localize rash from handling the leaves and stems . get into gloves when rationalize peck laurel is recommend to keep skin temper .
The great risk is accidentally ingesting flora material when impact mountain laurel wreath . Poisoning has occurred from the great unwashed inadvertently chafe their eyes or back talk after contact . Carefully washing your hands after touching any part of the plant is crucial .
Children are especially vulnerable to poisoning from mountain Stan Laurel . The sweet ambrosia pull small fry , who may chew on the flowers or bat their fingers after represent with the tempting bush . Vigilant grownup supervision is a must around this toxic plant .
Dangers of Ingesting Mountain Laurel
While touch mountain laurel may cause minor reactions , take any part of the plant can be baneful . Here ’s an overview of the peril :
eat the leaves , stems or flower induces burning of the mouth , drooling , vomiting , diarrhea , tremors , seizure and paralysis .
The plant ’s nectar contains the highest concentration of toxins . Just a few cliff on the clapper or in the eyes can cause speedy heart rate , convulsions , comatoseness and death .
stock have buy the farm from grazing on mountain laurel leaf . The toxins have excessive salivation , trembling , impaired visual sense and inability to brook .
Honey made from mountain laurel nectar moderate grayanotoxins and can envenom humans . Even small amount of money can cause low blood press , fainting , nausea and unconsciousness .
So while the slew laurel flower may expect like a tasty treat , consuming any part of this works is extremely life-threatening . If you suspect mountain laurel poisoning , call your local poisonous substance ascendency center or exigency service immediately . speedy discourse is critical .
Staying Safe Around Mountain Laurel
While mountain laurel is touch-and-go when ingested , you’re able to still safely enjoy this ornamental shrub with proper precautions :
Clearly label stack Stan Laurel with warning signs in gardens and landscape painting . Alert all category and guests , specially curious nipper , about the plant ’s perniciousness .
wash off your hand thoroughly after touching heap laurel . Supervise kid to ensure no office enter their mouth . Avoid rub your eye until hands are cleansed .
fall apart glove and foresightful sleeve when pruning deal bay wreath branches . The sap may irritate bare pelt .
Keep deal bay wreath out from graze livestock and pet . Fence off planting or situate in inaccessible areas of gardens .
Dispose of pruned branches , dead leaves and spent flowers in enclosed chiliad waste bags . Never compost toxic works parts .
With weather eye and common sense , the ocular lustre of passel laurel can be safely enjoyed . Just be mindful of the peril lurk within this dramatic native industrial plant .
Keeping Your Kids Safe Around Texas Mountain Laurel
Supervision is the cornerstone of child base hit around garden plants . To prevent small ones from ingesting toxic Texas Mountain Laurel seed , sustain a constant vigil . You could arrange up a playing period area away from the plant life or habituate baby logic gate or other barriers to keep kids from getting too close . guarantee that the plant orbit is well - lit and gratuitous from tripping hazards , allowing for clear-cut visibility .
What Makes Texas Mountain Laurel a Concern for Kids?
The perniciousness of Texas Mountain Laurel rest in a chemical compound called cytisine , prevalent in both leaves and come . Cytisine is a quinolizidine alkaloid that , if ingested , can wreak mayhem on the human body . While livestock may avoid the leave of absence , the seeds — with their higher cytisine concentration — are a unlike story . They re like tiny ticking sentence bombs , especially if jaw , which releases the toxin .
Mountain Laurel – More Than a Rhododendron – Kalmia latifolia
FAQ
Can you get sick from touching mountain laurel ?
How much hatful laurel wreath is toxic ?
Are Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel leaves toxicant to touch on ?
Is it illegal to pick mountain Stan Laurel ?
