Field maple Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 807 found this helpful

Acer campestre is non-toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses per available research

No hypoglycin A content is present in this species, per 2016 published toxicology studies

Misidentification risk exists with other potentially toxic Acer (maple) species

FAQ

Is Field maple toxic to Humans?

No known toxic symptoms from normal exposure. Very large ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset as a non-specific reaction. (Non-toxic)

Is Field maple toxic to Cats?

No known toxic symptoms from normal exposure. Very large ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset as a non-specific reaction. (Non-toxic)

Is Field maple toxic to Dogs?

No known toxic symptoms from normal exposure. Very large ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset as a non-specific reaction. (Non-toxic)

Is Field maple toxic to Horses?

No known toxic symptoms from normal exposure. Very large ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset as a non-specific reaction. (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms from normal exposure. Very large ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset as a non-specific reaction.

Cats

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms from normal exposure. Very large ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset as a non-specific reaction.

Dogs

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms from normal exposure. Very large ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset as a non-specific reaction.

Horses

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms from normal exposure. Very large ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset as a non-specific reaction.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo parts of this plant are documented to be toxic.

Exposure RouteNo toxic effects recorded for standard exposure routes (ingestion, skin contact, inhalation of plant matter)

Toxic CompoundsNo confirmed toxic compounds identified; Hypoglycin A (a toxin common in some Acer species) is not present in this species (Westermann et al., 2016)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water if large amounts of plant matter are ingested
• Monitor for mild, non-specific gastrointestinal discomfort (loose stools, bloating) if large quantities are consumed
• Provide fresh drinking water to humans or animals that ingested large amounts of the plant

Contact Vet Immediately

• Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy occurs 24+ hours after large ingestion
• Signs of allergic reaction (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing) appear after exposure

Prevention

• Confirm accurate Acer species identification before allowing pet grazing or human foraging
• Remove confirmed toxic Acer species from areas accessible to children and domestic animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care only for mild non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms if they occur
• No specific antidote is required, as no toxic compounds are present in this species

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAcer campestre L.

AliasesHedge maple、Common maple、Feld-Ahorn、Erable champêtre、Acero oppio

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are at risk of toxic damage from exposure to this species

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism identified, as the plant contains no confirmed harmful bioactive compounds

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No documented toxic effects from grazing on this species

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No reported toxic effects from consumption of small quantities of the plant

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other maple species Acer spp. (excluding Acer campestre)

Field maple is visually similar to many other Acer species, some of which contain harmful hypoglycin A. Key distinguishing feature: field maple has small, blunt, 5-lobed leaves with smooth margins.

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Related Toxic Plants

Red maple

Acer rubrum

Severe (highly toxic to horses, moderate toxicity to dogs and cats)

Sycamore maple

Acer pseudoplatanus

Moderate (contains hypoglycin A, toxic to grazing livestock and horses)

Golden rain tree

Koelreuteria paniculata

Low to Moderate (seeds and foliage are toxic to humans and livestock if ingested in large quantities)

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.