Cherry trees are well-known for their vibrant and delicious fruits, but are these trees dangerous for us? Can consuming the fruits or touching the tree directly result in serious injury or even death? The answer may be surprising – wild cherry trees, in particular, can be pretty poisonous.
Within the scientific community, these trees are commonly known as Prunus avium, or the “George Hill” cherry tree, a species of wild cherry native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. While sometimes found in gardens, they’re much more likely to be seen in the wild in woodlands and hedgerows.
The danger of wild cherry tree lies mainly in its bark, leaves and wilted flowers, all of which contain poisonous compounds. These compounds – referred to as cyanogenic glycosides – are toxic to humans and animals, with symptoms of poisoning can vary from nausea, vomiting and dizziness to respiratory distress and even death.
These poisonous compounds are present in the leaves and bark of the cherry tree all year round, but their danger is highest during the late summer and autumn months, when the foliage begins to wilt and die. Interestingly, the fruit of the cherry tree does not contain these poisonous compounds – meaning it’s safe to eat. However, it’s important that same care should be taken when collecting the fruit, as contact with the leaves and bark can still be dangerous.
In terms of treatment, it’s important to seek medical help immediately if you suspect you or someone else has been poisoned. Treatment typically includes physical measures, such as decontamination, as well as medications to reduce the absorption of cyanogenic glycosides. Moreover, some poison control centers may even provide specific advice in cases of cherry tree poisoning.
Prevention
When outdoors, it’s important to be aware of the presence of wild cherry trees and take the necessary measures to avoid coming into contact with them. Suggestions for this include wearing appropriate gloves and clothing, being careful when collecting fruits, and keeping pets away from the tree.
It’s also important to remember that wild cherry tree poisoning does not necessarily require direct contact with the tree – pruning and yard work can lead to contact with poisoned foliage, so gloves and other protective gear should always be worn. Moreover, ideally, any debris or fallen leaves should be disposed of properly.
Diseases
Another consideration when dealing with wild cherry trees is the possibility of being affected by plant diseases. While there are few documented diseases that affect the wild cherry tree, it’s still possible for the tree to be affected by fungal infections, bacterial diseases and, in some cases, parasites. These infections can weaken and even kill the tree, leading to the need for removal – though it’s important to note that, while a dead or dying tree may still contain cyanogenic glycosides, it’s far less likely to contain a dangerous concentration of the toxin.
If a dead or dying wild cherry tree is present in an area and cannot be removed, it’s important to take all the necessary preventive measures and to be especially aware of the presence of the tree, as well as its potential dangers.
Cultivation
A more controversial aspect of the wild cherry tree is its cultivation. While these trees have a variety of properties that may make them desirable to some gardeners, their poisonous nature can still be of concern, even in this context. Thus, if cultivating a wild cherry tree, it’s important to keep in mind all the safety measures mentioned previously, as well as being aware of the risks associated with the tree.
Moreover, gardeners should be vigilant in preventing the spread of the tree. For example, Prunus avium can reproduce both through seeds and runners, meaning it’s important to collect and dispose of fallen fruits and seedlings that appear on the area around the tree.
Consequences
It’s important to note that the repercussions of wild cherry poisoning can be serious, and that the effects can be felt for a long time. For example, this form of poisoning has been linked to liver and kidney damage, as well as other health problems.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that the general consensus from experts is that wild cherry trees should be treated with respect and caution. As such, taking the necessary measures for prevention and treatment should be of the utmost importance for the safety of those living or working in areas with a wild cherry tree.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wild cherry trees can be dangerous if not treated safely. While the fruit of these trees is safe to eat, contact with their leaves and bark can be harmful, causing symptoms of poisoning such as nausea and dizziness. As such, it’s important to be aware of the risks posed by wild cherry trees and to take the necessary preventive and safety measures.
