The Bleeding Heart plant, Lamprocapnos spectabilis (formerly Dicentra spectabilis), is a popular ornamental perennial known for its distinctive heart-shaped flowers. Often called Asian, Japanese, or Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart, it is admired for its delicate appearance and early spring blooms. Despite its beauty, concerns about its potential toxicity are common.
Understanding Bleeding Heart Toxicity
Bleeding Heart plants contain isoquinoline alkaloids, which cause their toxicity. These alkaloids are present in all parts of the plant: roots, leaves, stems, and flowers. While toxic to humans and animals, severe or fatal poisoning is generally rare in humans, as cases of human ingestion are uncommon. Dogs and horses can experience more significant effects if they consume larger quantities.
The toxicity level is low to moderate, with leaves often containing higher concentrations of alkaloids. While ingestion can lead to adverse effects, the plant is not acutely lethal for humans or pets in typical exposure scenarios. Serious outcomes like liver damage or seizures, while possible, usually require consumption of larger quantities of the plant material.
Recognizing Symptoms of Exposure
Symptoms of exposure vary depending on the individual or animal and the amount ingested. For humans, direct skin contact with the plant’s sap can cause mild contact dermatitis (redness, itching, or a rash). If ingested, symptoms typically include mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. More severe, though rare, symptoms can include convulsions and difficulty breathing.
Pets, particularly dogs and horses, may exhibit more pronounced symptoms. Common signs of ingestion in animals include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and excessive drooling. In more serious cases, particularly with larger ingestions, animals might show signs such as staggering, tremors, weakness, or even seizures. Prompt recognition of these symptoms is important for timely intervention.
What to Do After Exposure
Immediate action is important if you suspect that a human or pet has ingested parts of a Bleeding Heart plant. If skin contact has occurred, thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water to remove any irritating sap. For suspected ingestion, rinse the mouth with water.
Contact a poison control center for humans or a veterinarian for pets. They can provide expert guidance and advise on the appropriate course of action. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical or veterinary professional, as this can cause more harm.
Safe Handling and Identification
Proactive measures can help prevent unintended exposure to Bleeding Heart plants. When handling the plant, such as during planting, pruning, or dividing, wearing gardening gloves can protect against potential skin irritation. After any direct contact, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. To minimize risks, ensure plants are inaccessible to curious young children and pets.
Identifying the Bleeding Heart plant is straightforward due to its distinct features. Its most recognizable characteristic is its heart-shaped flowers, hanging in rows along arching stems, typically pink or white. Its foliage is green, fern-like, and divided into three leaflets, forming a bushy clump. It typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. These traits help identify Lamprocapnos spectabilis.