February Daphne (Daphne mezereum)
The immensely popular but unfortunately also poisonous February Daphne is one of the first plants to flower extremely early in the year.
-
Appearance
The immensely popular but unfortunately also poisonous February Daphne is one of the first plants to flower extremely early in the year.
-
Leaf upperside
Deciduous, oblong-lanceolate leaves. Alternate. Entire. Leaves are dull green above, pale green below. Yellow autumn colouring. Size: 3-8cm long, 0.5-2cm wide.
-
Flowers
Flowering period: II-IV. Highly fragrant, pink flower clusters which appear before the leaves.
Poisonousness
All parts of the plant are extremely poisonous! The toxins are only released from chewed seeds. Consumption of chewed seeds leads to a burning sensation, swelling, blistering and reddening around the mouth. Occasionally it also causes increased salivation or dryness of the mouth with a feeling of thirst, difficulty in swallowing, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Disturbances of consciousness and cramps, as well as cardiovascular disturbances may also occur.
Application
Flowering shrub, gardens, parks.
Native regions
Europe
Location parameters
Light: sunny to slightly shady; soil type: sandy-loamy to loamy-clayey; nutrient concentration: normal to very high; pH value of the soil: slightly acid to alkaline; soil: dry to fresh.
Growth
1 - 1.5m high, diameter 1-1.5m. Upright shrub.
Leaves
Deciduous, oblong-lanceolate leaves. Alternate. Entire. Leaves are dull green above, pale green below. Yellow autumn colouring. Size: 3-8cm long, 0.5-2cm wide.
Flowers
Flowering period: II-IV. Highly fragrant, pink flower clusters which appear before the leaves.
Fruits
Ovate-oblong, approx. 0.8cm long, scarlet-red stone fruit of particular ornamental value.
Bark
The bark is purple-brown or grey-brown. Branches are yellowish-brown.
Roots
Sensitive deep-rooter with few branches.