Yucca are very popular ornamental plants that are easy to grow.In home cultivation, the most common is Guatemalan yucca(Yucca guatemalensis), forming a dark brown trunk topped with a plume of green, saber-like leaves. Many people, however, askwhether yucca is poisonousand whether it is safe for children and pets to have this plant. So we checked what are the poisonous, allergenic or other dangerous properties of yucca and we explainwhether yucca can be poisonous to humans or animals
Is yucca poisonous?
Fig. depositphotos.com
Like many other plantsyucca produces substances that protect it from attack by pests and microbesAfter cutting its leaf, it releases a transparent juice that contains saponins. These are chemical compounds belonging to the group of glycosides. They are present in all parts of the plant and most abundantly in leaves, bark and roots.
Yucca saponins are used in low concentrations in natural medicine , because they have strong antibacterial, protozoal, antifungal and antiviral properties. They have the ability to bind many toxins and metabolites, thanks to which they intensify the body's detoxification processes. Unfortunately, in too high doses, e.g.after accidental ingestion of yucca leaves, they may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Is yucca poisonous to humans?
In case of accidental ingestion of yucca leafsusceptible individuals may develop a laxative effect, which may result in excessive urination, severe sweating and diarrhea.The severity of the symptoms of poisoning depends on the amount of saponins that entered the body along with the bitten leaves.Apart from the symptoms of the digestive system, yucca is not a real threat to the life of an adult.It can be dangerous, however, in the case of young children, who can easily become dehydrated as a result of severe diarrhea.
Yucca leaves can be dangerous to childrendue to the sharp tips of the leaves. They can cut your baby and puncture your baby's eye or ear. This can be prevented in some way by trimming the sharp tips of the leaves. However, it is safer to assume that yucca are not good potted flowers for a child's room, especially if it is a very small child.
Juka grown in a pot
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Is yucca poisonous to animals?
Yucca leaves can be a potential threat to cats and dogs Saponins may be irritating to the stomach and intestines of these animals, causing vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and drooling. After eating yucca leaves, small and old dogs may also experience weakness or confusion, and in immunocompromised and sick animals, seizures. However,the animal would have to eat a very large amount of yucca leaves for serious poisoningFortunately, the saponins make the yucca leaves taste bitter, making them relatively unpalatable to the animals and causing immediate stomach upsets . Therefore, in most cases, the animal will become discouraged before eating a large amount of them.
Guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits have digestive enzymes that deal with plant alkaloids, and it is not uncommon forrodents to eat yucca leaves and usually be fineHomemade rodents should not nibble freely on yucca leaves after all. It is much better to place vegetables and herbs within their range to distract them from ornamental plants.
First aid for yucca poisoning
Yucca is commonly not considered a poisonous plant , and the body's reaction to substances present in its juice is an individual feature. If you suspect that your child, cat or dog has bitten or swallowed a piece of yucca leaf, stay calm and watch them first. There is a good chance that nothing bad will happen. If several hours have passed since eating yucca, and the child or animal is not depressed, does not vomit and takes fluids normally, it is very likely that the plant has not harmed him.
As soon as you are concerned about the behavior of the child or animal, contact your doctor or veterinarian. Take a piece of yucca leaf with you to the clinic to help the doctor make a diagnosis.
To prevent dangerous situations, house plants should be placed in places inaccessible to small children and pets. Additionally, to distract the animals from potted plants, it is worth sowing a special grass for them, which they can nibble on.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
