Tag: Tulip

Despite their beautiful appearance, all parts of the tulip plant contain allergenic lactones and toxic glycosides, making them unsafe for human consumption. The toxicity, which is most concentrated in the bulb, can cause serious health issues if ingested or result in skin irritation from handling.

During the Dutch Hunger Winter of WWII, some starving citizens reportedly consumed tulip bulbs to survive, a stark testament to the plant's inherent risks. All parts of the tulip contain toxic compounds, leading to a crucial question for gardeners and families: **Are tulips poisonous to humans?**