Norway maple Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,167 found this helpful

Norway maple is confirmed non-toxic to humans and all common domestic animal species, with no recorded poisoning cases.

This species does not contain hypoglycin A, the primary toxic compound linked to poisoning from other related maple species per Westermann et al., 2016.

Accurate plant identification is critical to avoid confusing Norway maple with potentially toxic related Acer species that carry health risks.

FAQ

Is Norway maple toxic to Humans?

No expected adverse effects from typical accidental ingestion or skin contact; rare mild allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals (Non-toxic)

Is Norway maple toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported after ingestion or exposure (Non-toxic)

Is Norway maple toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported after ingestion or exposure (Non-toxic)

Is Norway maple toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported after ingestion or exposure (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No expected adverse effects from typical accidental ingestion or skin contact; rare mild allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported after ingestion or exposure

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported after ingestion or exposure

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported after ingestion or exposure

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo parts of the plant are considered toxic; all foliage, bark, seeds, and sap are safe for typical exposure

Exposure RouteNo harmful exposure routes confirmed; accidental ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of pollen are not associated with toxic effects

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic compounds identified; hypoglycin A is confirmed absent per published 2016 research

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water if large volumes of plant material were ingested
• Wipe any plant residue off skin or pet fur to prevent rare minor irritation
• Monitor for 24 hours for unusual symptoms that may signal an allergic reaction or misidentified plant exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet exhibits persistent vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or other unusual behavior after ingestion
• If you cannot confirm the ingested plant is Norway maple and suspect it may be a toxic related Acer species

Prevention

• Learn to distinguish Norway maple from other toxic Acer species grown in your local area
• Keep unknown plant material out of reach of children and pets to avoid exposure to toxic lookalikes
• Confirm tree species identity before allowing horses or other livestock to graze near maple stands

Treatment & Prognosis

• No specific treatment is required for confirmed Norway maple exposure
• Supportive care may be administered for rare allergic reactions if they occur
• Initiate treatment for toxic Acer species exposure immediately if plant identity is unconfirmed

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAcer platanoides L.

AliasesPlane-leaved maple、False sycamore

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

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

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanisms identified; exposure to any part of the plant does not trigger harmful physiological responses

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No confirmed toxicity reported; ingestion of large volumes of foliage or bark is not associated with adverse effects

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No toxic effects recorded from consumption of Norway maple foliage, bark, or seeds

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other maple species Acer spp. (excluding Acer platanoides)

Most Acer species share very similar lobed leaf morphology with Norway maple, making visual identification difficult. Many related Acer species contain hypoglycin A, a toxic compound that is confirmed absent in Norway maple.

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Related Toxic Plants

Red maple

Acer rubrum

Severe toxicity, particularly lethal to horses even in small ingestion doses

Horse chestnut

Aesculus hippocastanum

Moderate toxicity to humans and all domestic animals, causing gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms

Western soapberry

Sapindus drummondii

Low to moderate toxicity, causing gastrointestinal distress from ingestion of fruit or foliage

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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.

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