So how poisonous are bleeding hearts for you and your family? NC State Extension rates their poison level as low. They can make you sick but they pose little threat to healthy adults. Every part of the plant holds toxic compounds, from the roots to the petals. You should treat the whole plant with care when you work around it.
I started thinking about the bleeding heart toxicity level after I got a rash from a spring division. In my experience, the reaction was mild but it lasted two days. That rash made me look up what I'd been touching. The answer pushed me to always grab gloves before working with these plants. If a little skin contact can cause a rash, you want to know what eating the plant might do to you.
The toxic chemicals in bleeding hearts are called alkaloids. Two of the main ones are protopine and sanguinarine, and they sit in every tissue of the plant. These same compounds keep deer and rabbits away from your garden beds. The thing that makes the plant toxic to you also makes it pest-proof. That tradeoff works in your favor if you garden in areas with heavy wildlife traffic.
NC State Extension lists what can happen if someone eats the plant. In people, you might face nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Dogs and cats face bigger risks due to their smaller size. Pets that eat the foliage can show trembling, staggering, and trouble breathing. These symptoms sound scary but they need a large amount of plant matter to kick in. Your pet or child brushing against a stem won't cause these issues.
You can keep your family and pets safe with a few simple steps. Wear nitrile or rubber gloves every time you prune or divide the plant. Teach your kids not to pick the flowers or put any plant parts in their mouths. If you have dogs that chew on garden plants, fence off your bleeding heart bed or put it where your pets can't reach. Watch curious kittens too since cats can also get sick from the leaves.
If someone eats part of the plant, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. For your pets, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control line. The bleeding heart alkaloids respond well to fast medical care. Don't wait for symptoms to show up before you call for help. Quick action makes the biggest difference in how things turn out. With basic care and a pair of gloves, you can grow this perennial in your yard without putting anyone at risk.
Read the full article: Bleeding Heart Flower Guide: Care & Tips
