Sorrel and Autumn Crocus: A Beneficial Herb vs. a Deadly Plant – A Comprehensive Guide on Benefits, Risks, and Confusion Hazards

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In natural medicine, wild plants have played a central role for centuries. While some plants have healing properties, others can be extremely dangerous—even fatal. A striking example of this contrast is sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Sorrel is considered a mild medicinal herb, whereas autumn crocus is among the most poisonous plants in Central Europe. Its similarity to edible plants like wild garlic makes it especially risky for foragers and non-experts.

1. Sorrel – A Medicinal Herb That Requires Caution

Healing Properties and Uses

Sorrel is widely used in traditional European medicine and cooking. It grows in moist meadows and forest edges and is easily recognized by its narrow, arrow-shaped leaves, sometimes with reddish spots. Its fresh, tangy taste gives the plant its name.

Medicinal Effects:

  • Diuretic – supports kidney function

  • Blood purifying – due to tannins and bitter compounds

  • Digestive aid – stimulates the stomach and bile

  • Immune boosting – used to treat cold symptoms

  • Topical use – for insect bites, sunburn, and skin irritation

Despite its health benefits, sorrel contains oxalic acid, which, in large quantities, can inhibit calcium absorption and contribute to kidney problems. For this reason, it should be consumed only in moderation, especially by individuals with kidney disease or gout.

2. Autumn Crocus – A Deadly Poisonous Plant with High Risk of Confusion

Botany and Appearance

The autumn crocus appears deceptively harmless. Its purple, crocus-like flowers bloom in autumn, while its leaves emerge in spring—a trait that often leads to confusion with edible plants like wild garlic or sorrel.

Distinct Features:

  • Leaves: Thick, stiff, slightly twisted to the left, tapering at the tips

  • Flowers: Purple, crocus-like, usually bloom in September

  • No scent – unlike the garlic smell of wild garlic

  • Habitat: Moist meadows and forest edges – often found near edible plants

Toxicity

All parts of the autumn crocus contain the deadly alkaloid colchicine. The seeds have the highest concentration, but even minute amounts of the plant can be lethal to humans and animals.

Important warning: Skin contact alone may lead to poisoning. Colchicine can penetrate the skin, for example, through the palms when handling the flowers without gloves.

3. Autumn Crocus Poisoning: Symptoms, Progression, and What to Do

Poisoning with colchicine develops in four distinct phases and may become life-threatening within hours.

Phases of Poisoning:

Phase 1 (2–6 hours after ingestion):

  • Burning in the mouth and throat

  • Thirst

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Nausea

  • Severe vomiting

Phase 2 (around 24 hours later):

  • Colicky abdominal pain

  • Watery or bloody diarrhea

  • Shortness of breath

  • Hallucinations

  • Numbness, paralysis, cramps

  • Hypothermia

  • Irregular heartbeat, shock

Phase 3 (from day 2 onward):

  • Multiple organ failure (kidney, liver, heart)

  • Toxic bone marrow suppression (weakens immune defense and blood clotting)

Phase 4 (Recovery):

  • Recovery can take weeks or months

  • Hair loss may occur after surviving severe poisoning

Emergency Measures:

  • There is no specific antidote for colchicine poisoning

  • Administer activated charcoal if ingestion was recent, to bind the toxin

  • Call a poison control center or emergency medical service immediately

  • Wear protective gloves when handling the plant to prevent skin absorption

Symptoms Summary (Alkaloid Poisoning):

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

  • Blurred vision, confusion

  • Cramps, numbness, paralysis

  • Circulatory and respiratory failure

  • Seizures

  • Death in severe cases

4. Confusion Risk: Autumn Crocus, Wild Garlic, and Sorrel

Several wild plants can look remarkably similar, and the autumn crocus is often mistaken for sorrel or wild garlic, which is why foraging must always be done with extreme caution.


 

5. Animal Poisoning and Toxin Persistence

The danger from the autumn crocus doesn’t end after it blooms. Colchicine remains toxic even when the plant is dried, meaning contaminated hay or feed is a serious threat to livestock.

Symptoms in animals:

  • Colic

  • Lethargy

  • Respiratory distress

  • Circulatory collapse

  • Sudden death

6. Alkaloid Poisoning: Effects and Symptoms

Colchicine is part of the plant alkaloids, a group of compounds that interfere with cell function. Other dangerous alkaloids include biferine, arecoline, and pilocarpine. These can interfere with neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, leading to severe or even fatal symptoms.

General Symptoms of Alkaloid Toxicity:

  • Excessive tear production

  • Severe nausea and vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Breathing problems

  • Slow heart rate

  • Confusion

  • Seizures

  • Coma or death

Conclusion: Knowledge Protects – Be Cautious with Wild Plants

Sorrel is a valued wild herb that offers health benefits when consumed in moderation and only when correctly identified. In contrast, the autumn crocus is one of the most dangerous plants in Europe, with a high risk of being confused with edible species, leading to life-threatening poisonings.

Recommendations for Wild Plant Foragers:

  • Only collect plants that you can identify with absolute certainty

  • When in doubt: Don’t pick it

  • Wash your hands thoroughly after touching unknown plants

  • Keep children and pets away from wild vegetation

  • In suspected poisoning: Seek medical help immediately

Sources and Further Reading:

  • German Poison Control Centers

  • Literature on Medicinal and Poisonous Plants

Important Note on Colchicine Use in Medicine

Colchicine is a medication used in human medicine to treat inflammation and pain, particularly during gout attacks. It works by reducing the inflammation caused by uric acid crystals in the joints. However, the therapeutic dose must be strictly controlled.

Despite being a highly toxic compound, colchicine has medical value because it inhibits cell division and has anti-inflammatory effects. It is extracted from the bulb of the autumn crocus, a plant widespread in Europe. However, when consumed as a wild plant, it can cause severe poisoning with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, organ failure, and death.

Recommendations for Wild Plant Foragers:

  • Only collect plants you can identify with absolute certainty

  • When in doubt: Don’t pick it

  • After touching unknown plants: Wash hands thoroughly

  • Keep children and pets away from wild plants

  • In case of poisoning: Seek medical help immediately

Sources and Further Reading:

References

How and when to take colchicine
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/colchicine/how-and-when-to-take-colchicine/

Colchicine and the concepts of nephroprotection: a new feature of an old drug
https://jrenendo.com/Article/jre-25072

NHS – Poisoning Overview

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. In case of suspected poisoning, contact a medical professional or poison control center immediately.

© 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right. Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742

 

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