Poisonous Plant Guide

Reprinted from The Merck Veterinary Manual, 8th ed., 1998, with permission of the publisher, Merck & Co., Inc.,Whitehouse Station, N.J.
This chart may be used as a guide to preventing pet exposure to poisonous plants. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has been exposed to any poisonous substance.

Agave
Brunfelsia Caladium
Americana (Agavaceae):
pauciflora var spp (Araceae):
Century Plant, Aloe Barbadensis (vera) (Liliaceae): floribunda (Solanaceae): Caladium, Fancy leaf
American aloe Barbados aloe, Curacao aloe Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow, caladium, Angel wings
Lady-of-the-night
CHARACTERISTICS: Clumps of thick, CHARACTERISTICS: Succulent herb with cluster of
Aglaonema CHARACTERISTICS: Perennial herbs with
long-shaped blue/green leaves with hook narrow fleshy, spinous or coarsely serrated margin
modestum CHARACTERISTICS:Evergreen shrubs to small trees with simple, heart-shaped thin, highlighted veins,
(margin) and pointed spines (tip). Central leaves, with hook spines on leaf margin. Dense
(Araceae): alternate, undivided, toothless, thick rather leathery variegated leaves; yellow green spathe; grown
flower stalk with small tubular spiked tubular yellow flowers at end of single stalk.
Chinese evergreen, lustrous leaves. Winter-blooming; large showy from rhizomes.
flowers in clusters.
Painted drop tongue sometimes fragrant flowers, clustered or solitary
Contains anthraquinone
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS:
at the branch ends, with 5-lobed tubular calyx, TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Calcium oxalate
Sap contains
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: glycosides (barbaloin, emodin) and chrysophanic
CHARACTERISTICS:Central stem with solid 5 petals, and funnel-shaped corolla. crystals and unknowns found in all parts, especially
calcium oxalate crystals; saponins and acid in the latex of the leaves; higher
medium green or splotched gray/green Fruits berry-like capsules. rhizomes. Ingestion causes immediate intense pain,
acrid volatile oil in leaves and seeds. On concentrations in younger leaves. On ingestion,
ingestion, causes dermal and oral leaves; small greenish flowers. local irritation to mucous membranes, excess
causes abrupt, severe diarrhea and/or TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Alkaloid
mucosal irritation and edema. salivation, swollen tongue and pharynx, diarrhea,
hypoglycemia, with vomiting in some cases. components (atropine, scopolamine,
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: The entire and dyspnea. Pets access to plant associated with
hyoscyamine) found in the flowers, leaves, Colchicum rhizomes brought indoors for winter storage.
Symptomatic plant contains calcium oxalate crystals.
TREATMENT: TREATMENT: Symptomatic control autumnale Liliaceae,
On ingestion, causes oral mucosal bark, and roots. On ingestion, animals show
diarrhea and fluid loss. tachycardia, dry mouth, dilated pupils, Colchicaceae):
irritation and edema. TREATMENT: Symptomatic
Cannabis ataxia, tremors, depression, Autumn crocus, Crocus, Fall
sativa (Canna baceae): urinary retention, and sometimes coma crocus, Meadow saffron,Wonder bulb
Mary Jane, Marijuana, Grass, Pot, TREATMENT: Symptomatic
(deep sedation). Not reported to cause death.
Hashish, Indian hemp, Reefer,Weed Popular house or yard plant,
CHARACTERISTICS: Chlorophytum
perennial herb, ovoid under ground corm spp (Liliaceae):
TREATMENT: In severely depressed
CHARACTERISTICS: Annual herb grown from seeds 6 ft. tall. Leaves covered with brown membrane or scales. Leaves large, Spider plant,
Capsicum animals, stimulants (respiratory and
opposite or alternate, palmately compound with 5-7 linear, coarsely lanceolate, basal, ovate, smooth, ribbed, appear in spring and St Bernard’s lily,
annuum cardiac), along with supportive
dentate leaflets; small green flowers at tip (male) or along entire length die back before flowering. Flowers tubular, solitary, pale Airplane plant
(Solanaceae): therapy recommended.
(female) of branch; fruits achenes. Grown for its fiber; legally cultivated under purple or white appearing in fall; ovoid capsule with
federal license only. Cherry pepper, Chili CHARACTERISTICS: Rhizomatous herbs
numerous seeds.
pepper, Ornamental pepper, with leaves slightly glossy, succulent,
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Leaves, stems, and flower buds of mature
Capsicum narrow, strap-like, greensome with a broad
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Colchicine and related
plants contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and related compounds.THC Convallaria alkaloids found throughout plant.These alkaloids are heat yellow or white band down the middle; long,
CHARACTERISTICS: Annual shrub; branched, erect cream, hanging stems with small, white flowers
concentrations vary with plant variety (1-6%), parts (female flowers have majalis (Liliaceae): stable and not affected by drying. Colchicine is used
highest concentrations), processing (extracts have as much as 28%), sex and stem; dark glossy, ovate, entire margin leaves; developing into plantlets. Often grown in
Lily-of-the-valley. Conval experimentally in genetic investigations, and
growing conditions. Lethal dose for dogs >3.0 g/kg body wt. Pets exposure white flowers Fruits shiny berries of various hanging baskets.
lily, Mayflower medically in the treatment of gout in humans. It is
usually from accidental access to this plant being used for in-home colors, shapes, sizes.
cumulative and slowly excreted. Milk of lactating
treatment of cancer patient or for illegal recreational uses by owner. Pets animals is a major excretory pathway. Observed clinical TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: More commonly
CHARACTERISTICS: Herbaceous perennial
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Capsaicinoids grown today for its filtering ability. Pet animals
(dogs primarily) show ataxia, vomiting, mydriasis, prolonged depression, from slender running rhizome; stem signs are thirst, difficult swallowing, abdominal pain,
tachycardia or bradycardia, salivation, hyperexcitability, tremors and (capsaicin) in the mature fruits, solanine and (especially cats) reach these plants either by
leafless, bearing a 1-sided raceme of profuse vomiting and diarrhea, weakness, and shock
hypothermia. Death results when vital CNS regulatory centers are scopletin in foliage; irritating to the GI tract, climbing or when plantlets fall from mature
nodding white, aromatic, bell-shaped within hours of ingestion. Death from
severely depressed. with vomiting and diarrhea. Not likely stems. Unknown toxin(s) found in leaves and
flowers; leaves 2 or 3, basal to 1 ft. long. respiratory failure.
to be lethal. plantlets.Vomiting, salivation, retching, and
Fruit a red berry but seldom formed.
TREATMENT: Remove animal from source. Effectiveness of emetics TREATMENT: Prolonged course due to slow transient anorexia seen in cats within
TREATMENT: Symptomatic; irritation relief hours of ingestion. Deaths and
limited by antiemetic effect of THC. Oral tannic acid, TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Cardiac glycosides excretion of colchicine. Gastric lavage;
activated charcoal followed by saline cathartics have cool water irrigation, topical or diarrhea not reported.
(convallarin, convallamarin, convallatoxin), irritant saponins supportive care for dehydration and
been recommended. Stimulants (cardiac and oral mineral or vegetable oil.
found in leaves, flowers, rhizome, and water in which flowers electrolyte losses (fluid therapy): CNS,
Digitalis respiratory) along with supportive therapy Rarely topical TREATMENT:
have been kept.Variable latent period depending on dose. circulatory, and respiratory
purpurea essential in severely depressed animals. anesthetics. Euphorbia Symptomatic
GI signs (vomiting, trembling, abdominal pain, diarrhea), disturbances. Analgesics
(Scrophulariacae): Recovery slow at best. pulcherrima and atropine recommended
progressive cardiac irregularities (irregular heart beats,
Foxglove (Euphorbiaceae): for abdominal pain and
A-V block) and death. Hyperkalemia in acute cases.
Poinsettia, Christmas flower, diarrhea.
Gastroenteritis, petechial hemorrhages throughout.
CHARACTERISTICS: Erect biennial with Christmas star
simple petioled (long on lower, short or Dracaena Dieffenbachia spp
TREATMENT: Aimed at gut decontamination (gastric
sessile on upper), alternate, toothed, hairy, spp (Agavaceae): CHARACTERISTICS:Perennial shrub with milky, white sap
lavage) and at correcting bradycardia (atropine), (Araceae):
ovate to lanceolate leaves. Purple, pink, red, Dragon tree throughout. Leaves alternate, petioled, distinctly veined,
conduction defects (phenytoin), and electrolyte Dumbcane
white or yellow tubular flowers (with spots) entire or lobed, and conspicuously bright red, pink or white
imbalance such as hyperkalemia (IV
in terminal racemes; fruit is a capsule with CHARACTERISTICS: Robust palm-like (terminal leaves), lower leaves remain green. Flowers small
electrolytes). Electrocardiographic Fairly tall, erect, unbranched, fleshy plant;
CHARACTERISTICS:
many seeds. house plant with lance-shaped, thin, and inconspicuous.
and serum potassium stem girdled with leaf scars; leaves large, thickly veined,
variegated, alternate, nonpetioled monitoring sheath-like petioles, white or yellow spots
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Cardiac leaves.Yellow, red, or green stripes along TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Milky sap contains unknown
necessary. on blade.
glycosides (digitoxin, digitalin, digoxin, leaf margins in some species. Lower leaves toxic principle(s); irritates mucous membranes and causes
and others), saponins and alkaloids are lost, leaf scars remain and clearly excessive salivation and vomiting but not death.Toxicity
Hyacinthus spp Calcium oxalate crystals
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS:
found throughout plant. Potency demarcated, terminal leaves retained as (hybrid species) not supported experimentally.Toxic Cyclamen
(Liliaceae): and unknown toxic proteins (possibly asparagine
not affected by drying. Generally, plant matures. diterpenes (ingenol derivatives) found in other spp (Primulaceae):
Hyacinths or protoanemonin) in all parts, including sap. On
acute abdominal pain, vomiting, Euphorbia spp have not been found in this species. Cyclamen, Snowbread, ingestion, immediate intense pain, burning, and
bloody diarrhea, frequent TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Alkaloids, saponins, Shooting star
CHARACTERISTICS:Garden ornamentals inflammation of mouth and throat, anorexia,
urination, irregular slow pulse, and resin found in leaves.Vomiting and TREATMENT: Symptomatic; gastric lavage,
that grow from bulbs (close vomiting, and possibly diarrhea, with tongue
tremors, convulsions, and severe diarrhea indicative of GI irritation activated charcoal, and saline Herbaceous plants, grown
resemblance to onion bulbs) and flower CHARACTERISTICS: extended, head shaking, excessive salivation,
rarely death. expected. Clinical cases have not cathartics should be from rhizomes or tubers. Petioled,
in early spring. Bulbs harvested and stored and dyspnea. Immediate pain limits amount
been reported. considered. heart-shaped, deep green intermixed with lighter
TREATMENT:
in fall for replanting in spring. consumed. Death infrequent.
Symptomatic green coloration (same leaf), serrated leaves;
TREATMENT:Symptomatic, to TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Calcium oxalate stems upright with a terminal pink or white TREATMENT: Symptomatic
correct fluid and Persea
crystals and alkaloids (their toxic potential butterfly-like flower. Kalanchoe
electrolye Americana (Lauraceae):
Avocodo pear, Alligator pear yet to be defined) found in bulbs. After spp (Crassulaceae):
imbalance. ingestion of toxic dose (bulbs), vomiting, TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Triterpinoid saponins Kalanchoe, Airplant,
diarrhea, and rare deaths reported. found in tuberous rhizomes cause GI irritation, Cathedral-bells
CHARACTERISTICS: Tree or shrubs with long branches arising from terminal
Lilium longi florum; L tigrinum Bulbs in storage may be thereby increasing systemic absorption and
buds, widely cultivated for its fruits.Three commonly
(Liliaceae): accessible to pets. severe toxicity. Anorexia, diarrhea, convulsions, CHARACTERISTICS: Winter flowering,
cultivated races (Mexican, Guatemalan, and West Indies.) Leaves
Easter lily,Trumpet lily and paralysis are observed clinical signs. Pets herbaceous, succulent, non-hardy annuals or
ovate-elliptical, entire, alternate, veined, dark-green above and paler below,
TREATMENT: Symptomatic have greater access to these plants over perennials. Fleshy, serrate or crenate, opposite,
papery to the feel. Flowers inconspicuous yellow-green in axillary or terminal
CHARACTERISTICS: Plants grown from bulbs; leaves alternate or winter months (both pets and plants
panicles; fruit berry, ovoid to pyriform in shape with thick, leathery, glossy dark petioled leaves. Bright red, orange, or pink flowers in
whorled, sessile, linear or lanceolate blades; large showy are indoors). umbel. Stems become woody and untidy with age.
green skin over lime-green to yellow flesh and a smooth, ovoid,
funnel-form flowers. Fruits capsules with numerous, flat seeds.
solitary seed.
Sansevieria TREATMENT: Symptomatic TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Cardiac glycosides found
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Unknown toxin found throughout spp (Agavaceae):
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: All above-ground parts (leaves in particular) in leaves. Within hours of ingesting toxic dose,
plants Renal failure in cats 2-4 days post ingestion. Not reported Sansevieria, Snake depression, rapid breathing, teeth grinding, ataxia,
reported toxic to cattle, horses, goats, rabbits, canaries, ostriches, and fish.
toxic to other species.Vomiting, depression, loss of appetite plant, Mother-in-law’s paralysis, opisthotonos (rabbit), and death (rat).
Responsible toxin a monoglyceride. Oil found in fruits used for cosmetic
within 12 hr. post-ingestion. Elevated creatinine, BUN, tongue
purposes.Toxicity associated with noninfectious agalactia (cattle, rabbits,
phosphorus, and potassium indicate toxicity. TREATMENT: Symptomatic; atropine has been
goats), pulmonary congestion, cardiac arrhythmia, submandibular edema, Ilex
CHARACTERISTICS: Hardy, succulent house effective in rabbits.
acute death (rabbits, cage birds, goats), respiratory distress, generalized aquifolium
TREATMENT: Emetics, activated charcoal, saline cathartic, plant. Leaves erect, elongate, lanceolate,
congestion, subcutaneous edema, and hydropericardium (suggestive of (Aquifoliaceae):
and nursing care as for renal failure within hours of and flat or cylindrical, dark green with or
cardiac failure [caged birds]). In caged birds, clinical signs may be English holly,
ingestion. Delayed treatment is associated with without a yellow stripe along the margins, Philodendron
seen within 24 hr. (usually after 12 hr.), with European holly
poor prognosis. and horizontal gray bands throughout; many spp (Araceae):
death 1-2 days after exposure.
Rhododendron yellow star-like flowers on tall central Philodendron
CHARACTERISTICS: Evergreen shrub with
raceme or spike.
spp (Ericaceae): TREATMENT: Primarily symptomatic leaves leathery, glossy upper surface, CHARACTERISTICS: Climbing vines with aerial
Azalea, Rhododendron and supportive. spiny toothed, alternate, and petioled;
Phoradendron TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Hemolytic roots; leaves (major attraction as a houseplant)
saponin and organic acids found in fruits red to yellow berries with many are large, unlobed or pinnately lobed and
flavescens (Viscaceae): CHARACTERISTICS: Evergreen or deciduous shrub
leaves and flowers.Vomiting, salivation, seeds and aromatic taste. heart-shaped; rarely flowering.
Mistletoe with simple, alternate, entire leaves; funnel-shaped
diarrhea, and hemolysis related to GI
flowers in terminal umbel-like clusters or solitary and TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Saponins; an alkaloid
CHARACTERISTICS: Perennial parasitic shrub activity of these compounds. TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Calcium oxalate crystals
of various colors; fruits are capsules with Schefflera spp (theobromine), triterpene compounds, and
that grows on deciduous trees. Evergreen, many seeds. and unidentified proteins throughout entire
(Araliaceae): unknown compounds with digitalis-like
ovoid, opposite leaves on round, highly branched, TREATMENT: Symptomatic; plant. On ingestion, immediate pain, local
Schefflera, Umbrella cardiotonic activity have been found in leaves,
green stem. White berries with single seed. Brought fluids and electrolytes irritation to mucous membranes, excessive
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Andromedotoxins tree fruits, and seeds. Abdominal pain, vomiting,
into homes during Christmas season. may be necessary. salivation, edematous tongue and pharynx,
(grayanotoxins) found in all parts, including pollen and and diarrhea seen after ingestion of
nectar. Within hours of ingestion of toxic dose (1g/kg), dyspnea, and renal failure. Excitability, nervous
CHARACTERISTICS: Fast-growing 2 berries. Death rare.
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Amines (B-phenylethylamine,
salivation, lacrimation,vomiting, diarrhea, dyspnea, spasms, convulsions, and occasional
evergreen with glossy, palmately
acetylcholine, choline and tyramine), toxic proteins muscle weakness, convulsions, coma, and death. Signs encephalitis reported in cats.
compound leaves that hang and spread, TREATMENT: Symptomatic
(viscotoxins), and unknowns in all parts.Vomiting, may last several days, but toxin is not cumulative. appearing like an umbrella. Depending on the Xanthium spp: (at best)
profuse diarrhea, dilated pupils, rapid labored TREATMENT: Symptomatic
species, leaflets increase with plant maturity Cocklebur
breathing, shock and death from cardiovascular TREATMENT: Symptomatic; gastric lavage, activated and become more compact; veins pronounced;
collapse within hours of ingesting toxic dose. charcoal, saline cathartics, calcium injection, Solanum
margins entire to slightly crenate. HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Fields, waste places,
and antibiotics to control possible exposed shores of ponds or rivers; pseudocapsicum (Solanaceae):
TREATMENT: Symptomatic Jerusalem cherry
pneumonia suggested. TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Oxalate found in throughout North America
the leaves. Mucous membrane irritation,
Zamia pumila salivation, anorexia, vomiting, and if CHARACTERISTICS: Shrub with simple lanceolate, entire or
AFFECTED ANIMALS: All animals, more common in pigs
(Zamiaceae): severe enough, diarrhea. slightly serrated leaves. Small star-shaped white flowers. Ripe
Coontie, Florida arrowroot, IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Spring and
fruits are red, shiny berries with many white seeds.
Seminole bread, Cycad TREATMENT: Symptomatic occassionally Fall. Coarse annual herb. Fruit covered with
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Solanocapsine and related alkaloids
Cicuta spp: spines, 2 beaked with 2 compartments.
CHARACTERISTICS: Palm-like plant with thick under ground fleshy, found in leaves and fruits. Anorexia, abdominal pain, vomiting,
tuberous stem from which grow few pinnately compound, Water hemlock hemorrhagic diarrhea, salivation, progressive weakness or
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Carboxyatractyloside (seeds
palm-like leaves ~2 ft. long; cones containing and young seedlings). Anorexia, depression, nausea, paralysis, dyspnea, bradycardia, circulatory collapse, dilated
HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Open, moist to wet pupils, and convulsions reported.
inch-long, shiny orange-red seeds. vomiting, weakness, rapid weak pulse, dyspnea,
environments; throughout North America
muscle spasms, convulsions. Lesions include GI
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: The glucoside cycasin and its aglycone TREATMENT: Symptomatic; gastric lavage, activated charcoal,
AFFECTED ANIMALS: All
inflammation, acute hepatitis, nephritis.
methylazoxymethanol (a colon-specific carcinogen in mice) found electrolytes and fluids, and anticonvulsants suggested.
in leaves, seeds, and stem. Ingestion associated with hepatic and TREATMENT: Seedlings or grain contaminated
IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: White flower, umbels.Veins of
Taxus spp (Taxaceae): GI disturbances and ataxia. Clinical signs are persistent vomiting, with seeds. Oils and fats PO may be
Yew diarrhea, abdominal pain, depression, and muscular paralysis. leaflets ending at notches. Stems hollow except at nodes.
Tuberous roots from chambered rootstock. beneficial; warmth, stimulants IM.
A neurologic condition characterized by hindleg paralysis Apocynum
CHARACTERISTICS: Evergreen tree or (hyperextension followed by incomplete extension) spp:
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Resinoids (cicutoxin, cicutol) in roots,
small erect shrub with alternate, has been reported in cattle. Dogbanes
needle-like, glossy (upper surface), dull stem base, young leaves.Toxicity retained when dry, except in
hay. Rapid onset of clinical signs, with death in 15-30 min. Sesbania
(lower surface) leaves. Seeds (generally 1 TREATMENT: No specific therapy; IV fluids and (Glottidium) HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Open woods, roadsides,
per fruit), black-brown or green, nearly enclosed symptomatic care recommended. Salivation, muscular twitching, dilated pupils.Violent
vesicaria: fields; throughout North America
in a cup-shaped fleshy, red covering (aril). convulsions, coma, death. Poisoning in humans common.
Bladderpod, Rattlebox,
Sesbane, Coffeebean AFFECTED ANIMALS: All
TREATMENT: Sedatives to control spasm and
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: The alkaloids (taxines and
Allium heart action. Prognosis is good if alive
ephedrine), cyanide, and volatile oils found throughout cepa, A canadense: HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Mostly open, low ground, IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall and Winter.
plant except the fleshy aril. Nervousness, trembling, ataxia, 2 hr. after ingestion.
Onions (cultivated abandoned cultivated fields; southeastern Erect, branching, perennial herb with milky sap arising from
dyspnea, collapse, bradycardia progressing to cardiac and wild) USA coastal plain creeping underground root stock. Leaves opposite. Flowers white
standstill and death without struggle. Empty right side to greenish white in terminal clusters. Fruit long, slender, paired
of heart; dark, tarry blood in left side of heart; limited HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Cultivated and AFFECTED ANIMALS: All with silky haired seeds.
nonspecific postmortem lesions. grown on rich soils throughout USA
IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall and TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: A resinoid and glucoside with some
TREATMENT: Symptomatic at best; usually futile cardioactivity found in leaves and stems of green or dry
AFFECTED ANIMALS: Cattle, horses, sheep, dog Winter. Tall annual. Legume pods flat, tapered at both ends,
once clinical signs appear. Atropine 2-seeded. Leaves pinnate, divided. Flowers yellow. plants. Increased temperature and pulse, dilated pupils,
may be helpful. IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall and Winter. Biennials and anorexia, discolored mucous membranes, cold
perennials, bulb plants, onion odor. Leaves basal, green, hollow, cylindrical (A cepa), TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Unknown (green plant and extremities, death.
lustrous green, flat (A canadense). Flowers on hollow flowering stalks, terminal seeds). In ruminants, hemorrhagic diarrhea, shallow rapid
umbels of many small blooms. Fruits 3-celled capsule with many seeds. respiration, fast irregular pulse, coma, death. Lesions TREATMENT: IV fluids and

include hemorrhages in abomasums and intestines, gastric protectants suggested.

Solanum TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: N-propyl disulfide, an oxidant, in all parts. Livestock readily dark tarry blood. Asclepias
spp: consume cull or overproduced onions, with anemia developing within days of exposure. spp:
Nightshades, Jerusalem Toxicosis in cattle associated with prolonged ingestion of large amounts of onions. TREATMENT: Green seeds are more toxic. Remove Milkweeds
cherry, Potato, Horse nettle, N-propyl disulfide inhibits RBC glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, leading to animal from source immediately. General
Buffalo Bur hemolysis and formation of Heinz bodies. Observed clinical signs are hemoglobinuria, supportive treatment- saline purgatives, HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Dry areas,
diarrhea, loss of appetite, jaundice, ataxia, collapse, and possible death if untreated. rumen stimulants, IV fluids. usually waste places, roadsides,
HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Fence rows, waste areas, grain Hemolytic anemia reported in livestock ingesting wild onions. Heinz body streambeds
and hay fields; throughout North America anemia; swollen, pale necrotic liver; hemosiderin in liver, kidneys, and spleen
are reported in pathologic lesions. AFFECTED ANIMALS: All
AFFECTED ANIMALS: All Daubentonia
(Sesbania) Agrostemma
TREATMENT: Clinical presentation similar to that of toxicity induced by IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season:
punicea: githago:
IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall and Winter. S-methylcysteine sulfoxide (a rare toxic amino acid in Brassica spp) Fall and Winter. Perennial erect herbs with
Rattlebox, Corn cockle
Fruits small; yellow, red, or black when ripe; structurally like in livestock. Susceptibility to onion poisoning varies across milky sap. Seeds silky-hairy from
tomatoes; clustered on stalk arising from stem animal species: cattle more susceptible than horses and Purple sesbane elongated pods.
HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Mostly open, low
between leaves. dogs, which are more susceptible than sheep and
HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Cultivated and
ground, abandoned cultivated fields;
goats. Remove animals from source and prevent TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Steroid glycosides
escaped, in waste places; southeastern southeastern USA coastal plain
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Glycoalkaloid solanine (leaves, future access to cull onions. Symptomatic and toxic resinous substances (all parts),
shoots, unripe berries). Acute hemorrhagic and supportive care USA coastal plain green or dry. Staggering, titanic convulsion,
AFFECTED ANIMALS: All
gastroenteritis, weakness, excess salivation, dyspnea, essential. bloating, dyspnea, dilated pupils, rapid
trembling, progressive paralysis, prostration, death. AFFECTED ANIMALS: All and weak pulse, coma death.
IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall and
Cestrum Conium maculatum: IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall
Winter. Green winter annual with silky-white hairs,
TREATMENT: Pilocarpine, physostigmine, TREATMENT: Sedatives,
diurnum, Poison hemlock and Winter. Shrub. Flowers orange. Legume opposite leaves, purple flowers, black seeds.
GI protectants. Seeds may laxatives, and IV fluids
contaminate grain. C nocturnum: pods longitudinally 4-winged. suggested.
Day-blooming Jessamine HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Roadside ditches, damp waste areas; TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Saponin (githagenin) in seeds.
and Night-blooming Jessamine, throughout North America TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Rapid pulse,
Acute course. Profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting,
respectively weak respiration, diarrhea, death. dullness, general weakness, tachypnea,
AFFECTED ANIMALS: All hemoglobinuria, death.
HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Open woods and fields; Gulf TREATMENT: Seeds poisonous.
Coast states (Florida,Texas) and California IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall and Winter. Remove animal from source. TREATMENT: Oils and GI protectants. Datura
Purple-spotted hollow stem. Leaves resemble parsley, parsnip odor Saline purgatives. Neutralize toxin (dilute acetic acid PO). stramonium:
AFFECTED ANIMALS: Cattle, horses and dogs (ingesting when crushed.Tap root. Flowers white, in umbels. Blood transfusions may be Jimson weed,
cholecalciferol-based rodenticides) necessary. Thorn apple
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Piperidine alkaloids (coniine and others)
IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall and Winter. in vegetative parts. Acute course. Dilated pupils; weakness; HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Fields, barn lots,

Evergreen shrubs or tall bush. Leaves alternate, ovate smooth-edged. staggering gait; slow pulse, progressing to rapid and thready. Crotalaria spp: trampled pastures, and waste places
Flowers white, tubular, small clusters, fragrant by day. Fruit a greenish Slow irregular breathing; death from respiratory failure. Crotalaria, Rattlebox on rich bottom soils; throughout
white to lavender (immature), becoming dark-purple to black (mature), Teratogenic in cattle.
fleshy berry, with several small, black oblong seeds, dispersed by birds in HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Fields and roadsides; eastern AFFECTED ANIMALS: All

droppings. Leaves longer, flowers fragrant at night, white fruits at TREATMENT: Coniine excreted via lungs and kidneys, mousy odor and central USA
maturity (C nocturnum). of breath and urine diagnostic. Administer saline cathar- IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall and Winter.

tics; neutralize alkaloids with Gelsemium AFFECTED ANIMALS: All Leaves wavy. Flower large (4in.), white, tubular.
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Atropine-like alkaloids (fruit), saponins (fruit and sap), tannic acid, together with sempervirens: Fruit a spiny pod, 2 in. (5cm.) long.
and glycosides of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (leaves primarily, stems, fruits, and stimulants. Yellow Jessamine, Evening IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall and Winter.

roots) are found. Gastroenteritis develops on ingestion of fruits.Vomiting, depression, trumpet flower, Carolina jessamine Annual or perennial legume.Yellow flowers in racemes, pods TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Tropine alkaloids (atropine,

anorexia, chronic weight loss with normal appetite, choppy stiff gait, increased pulse, inflated. Bracts at base of pedicels of flowers and fruits scopolamine, hyoscyamine) in all parts, seeds in particular.
persistent hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, calcinosis (aorta, carotid and HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Open woods, thickets; persistent. Leaves simple or divided. Seeds in harvested grain. Acute course. Weak rapid pulse and heartbeat, dilated
pulmonary arteries, tendons, ligaments, and kidneys), parathyroid atrophy, southeast pupils, dry mouth, incoordination, convulsions, coma.
thyroid (C-cell) hypertrophy, and osteopetrosis reported with TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Pyrrolizidine alkaloid
chronic ingestion of leaves. AFFECTED ANIMALS: All (monocrotaline) and other unidentified alkaloids (all parts, TREATMENT: All parts, mainly in hay or silage. Urine
especially seeds). Chronic course. Chickens- diarrhea, pale from affected animal dilates pupils of laboratory
TREATMENT: Prevent further access of animals to plants. In early IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall and Winter. comb, ruffled feathers; horses- unthriftiness, ataxia, animals (diagnostic).Treatment nonspecific;
stages, treatment might be effective and cost-effective. Climbing or trailing vines. Evergreen, entire, opposite leaves. walking in circles, icterus; cattle- bloody diarrhea, cardiac and respiratory stimulants
Correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances in cases Yellow tubular flowers, very fragrant. icterus, rough coat, edema, weakness. Death may (physostigmine, pilocarpine,
with persistent vomiting or diarrhea. Reduce or occur from weeks to months arecoline). Ricinus
prevent hypercalcemia (calciuresis, diuretics, TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Alkaloids (gelsemine and others, after ingestion. communis:
steroids, calcitonin). Maintenance related to strychnine) in all parts. Acute course. Weakness, Castor bean
therapy with diuretics and Taxus spp: incoordination, dilated pupils, convulsions, coma, death TREATMENT: Cumulative, fresh

steroids may be Yew within 48 hr. Limberneck in fowl. or dry. No treatment. HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Cultivated in
necessary. southern regions
TREATMENT: No specific
Kalmia spp:
HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Most of North America;
Sorghum treatment. Relaxants and Laurel, Ivybush, Lambkill
Japanese and English yew common AFFECTED ANIMALS: All
vulgare: sedatives suggested.
ornamentals
Sorghum, Sudan grass, HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Rich moist woods,
Nerium oleander: IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall
Kafir, Durra, Milo, Broomcorn, meadows, or acid bogs; eastern and
AFFECTED ANIMALS: All Oleander and Winter. Large, palmately lobed leaves. Seeds
Schrock, etc northwestern North America
resembling engorged ticks, usually 3 in
IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Common ornamental in somewhat spiny pod.
HABITAT/DISTRIBUTION: Forage crops and escapes; AFFECTED ANIMALS: All, often sheep
Season: Fall and Winter. Evergreen perennial tree or southern regions of North America
throughout North America
shrub. Bark reddish brown then flaking in scales. Leaves TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Phytotoxin- ricin in
IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall and
linear, 0.5-1 in. (1.5-2.5 cm.) long, 2 ranked on twig, AFFECTED ANIMALS: All all parts (seeds especially toxic). Acute to
AFFECTED ANIMALS: All Winter. Woody shrub. Evergreen, glossy leaves.
upper surface dark green, lower yellow-green, midribs chronic course (death or recovery).Violent
Flowers pink to rose, showy.
prominent. Flowers unisexual, inconspicuous. IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall and purgation, straining with bloody diarrhea,
IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS: Dangerous Season: Fall and Winter.
Fruit single stony seed. Bright scarlet color. Winter. Evergreen shrub or tree. Leaves whorled and weakness, salivation, trembling,
Coarse grasses with terminal flower cluster. Some to 8 ft. tall. TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Resinoid (andromedotoxin)
prominently, finely, pinnately veined beneath. incoordination.
and a glucoside (arbutin) in vegetative parts. Acute
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Toxic alkaloids in bark, leaves, Flowers showy, white to deep pink.
TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Hydrocyanic acid (drought, trampling, course. Incoordination, excess salivation, vomiting,
seeds. Gaseous distress, diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, TREATMENT: Diagnosis based
frost, second growth) and nitrate (heavy in vegetative parts). bloat, weakness, muscular spasms, coma, death.
dyspnea, dilated pupils, respiratory difficulty, weakness, TOXIC PRINCIPLES AND EFFECTS: Digitoxin-type glycosides on presence of seeds, RBC
Acute course. Difficult breathing, bloat, staggering,
fatigue, collapse, coma, convulsions, bradycardia, (oleandroside, nerioside, and others) in all parts, fresh agglutination, precipitin test.
convulsions, death. Blood bright red (cyanide) or TREATMENT: Undigested rumen contents
circulatory failure, death. Death may be rapid. or dry. Acute course. Severe gastroenteritis, vomiting, Specific antiserum, ideal
chocolate brown (nitrate). and ingesta in lungs at necropsy.
diarrhea, increased pulse rate, weakness, death. antidote; sedatives, arecoline
Laxatives, demulcents, nerve
TREATMENT: Poisoning usually results when hydrobromide, followed
TREATMENT: Hay safe for cyanide (volatile), stimulants, atropine.
branches and trimmings fed to livestock. TREATMENT: No specific treatment. Atropine in by saline cathartics
not safe for nitrate (analyze).
conjunction with propranolol reported helpful. suggested.

ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center ¥ TOLL FREE 1.800.548.2423 ¥ PHONE 1.900.680.0000 ¥ $45 fee per case payable to credit card; follow-ups included.
AKC Canine Health Foundation ¥ STREET ADDRESS: The American Kennel Club Building ¥ 5580 Centerview Drive ¥ Raleigh, North Carolina 27606-3390
MAILING ADDRESS: AKC Canine Health Foundation ¥ P.O. Box 37941 ¥ Raleigh, North Carolina 27627-7941 ¥ TOLL FREE 888.682.9696 ¥ PHONE 919.334.4010 ¥ FAX 919.334.4011 ¥ WEBSITE www.akcchf.org