Grape Hyacinth

Muscari armeniacum H.J.Veitch

Spring Bulb
Naturalizes

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to peoplePets: Not assessed for pets

Hazardous parts

bulbs

Preparation

None known to make it safe. Wear gloves when handling bulbs (RHS). If any part has been eaten, call your poison center.

Hazard type

RHS (UK) labels ornamental bulbs as not to be eaten and advises gloves and protective equipment when handling; no specific toxin is named there. NC State's page has no Poisonous to Humans section.

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Pets

Not assessed for pets

Not assessed for pets: one ASPCA listing was found, and the NC State non-toxic tag has no stated source, so it does not count as a second source.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis). To tell them apart: Grape hyacinth (Muscari) is not the same plant as hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis).. ASPCA lists hyacinth as toxic, so do not treat the two as interchangeable.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 4a-8b (NC State Extension). UK RHS hardiness rating H6 (RHS, UK system; the two systems are not converted).
Light: full sun to part shade
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 6 to 9 inches tall and 3 to 6 inches wide (NC State Extension); RHS says to about 20 cm tall. Spacing: Bury bulbs 5 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart (NC State Extension). RHS (UK) says plant 10 cm deep in autumn.
Where it comes from: Southeastern Europe, Armenia and Asia Minor (NC State Extension); RHS gives Europe to Caucasus.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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