Swamp Maple Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 4,936 found this helpful

Swamp maple is confirmed toxic to horses, while its toxicity to cats and dogs is currently unknown

Wilted leaves are the most toxic part, with most poisoning cases reported from midsummer to early winter

Ingestion can cause severe health effects in horses, including death as soon as 18 hours after consumption

FAQ

Is Swamp Maple toxic to Humans?

No human toxicity data or reported poisoning cases are available to date (Non-toxic)

Is Swamp Maple toxic to Cats?

Toxicity unconfirmed, no documented clinical signs of poisoning reported (Low)

Is Swamp Maple toxic to Dogs?

Toxicity unconfirmed, no documented clinical signs of poisoning reported (Low)

Is Swamp Maple toxic to Horses?

Red blood cell damage, reduced oxygen transport, dark eye/oral membranes, weakness, feed refusal, CNS depression, abdominal discomfort, laminitis, discolored urine, abortion in pregnant mares, possible death (Severe)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No human toxicity data or reported poisoning cases are available to date

Cats

Low

Toxicity unconfirmed, no documented clinical signs of poisoning reported

Dogs

Low

Toxicity unconfirmed, no documented clinical signs of poisoning reported

Horses

Severe

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWilted leaves (toxicity of other plant parts is unconfirmed)

Exposure RouteIngestion of wilted plant material

Toxic CompoundsToxic principles are currently unknown and uncharacterized

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove any remaining plant material from the animal's mouth and surrounding area
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed to do so by a licensed veterinarian
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant to assist with accurate identification for veterinary care

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of wilted swamp maple leaves by horses
• Appearance of associated clinical signs (e.g. weakness, dark membranes, discolored urine) post exposure
• Pregnant mares that have had access to areas with growing or fallen swamp maple

Prevention

• Remove all swamp maple trees from horse pastures and areas accessible to horses
• Regularly clear fallen or wilted swamp maple leaves from grazing areas, especially between midsummer and early winter
• Avoid feeding hay or forage containing cut or dried swamp maple material to horses

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinary supportive care including fluid therapy to support circulatory and kidney function
• Symptomatic treatment for associated conditions such as laminitis and CNS depression as required
• Monitor red blood cell count and oxygen saturation levels for 7 to 10 days post suspected ingestion

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAcer rubrum

AliasesRed Maple、Scarlet Maple、Curled Maple、Soft Maple

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesSevere

Target Organs

Circulatory systemKidneysCentral nervous systemReproductive systemHoof laminae

Mechanism of Action

• Unknown toxic components damage red blood cell membranes, reducing their ability to carry oxygen to body tissues

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Toxicity is unconfirmed, no documented poisoning cases reported to date

Sheep: Toxicity is unconfirmed, no documented poisoning cases reported to date

Goats: Toxicity is unconfirmed, no documented poisoning cases reported to date

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Sugar Maple Acer saccharum

Visually similar due to shared characteristic maple leaf shape; key difference: Sugar Maple has smooth, non-serrated lobe margins, and no confirmed horse toxicity

Silver Maple Acer saccharinum

Shares similar wet habitat preferences and leaf shape; key difference: Silver Maple leaves have distinct silvery-white undersides, with less commonly reported horse toxicity

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Related Toxic Plants

Box Elder

Acer negundo

Moderate toxicity to horses, reported to cause similar red blood cell damage

Sycamore Maple

Acer pseudoplatanus

High toxicity to horses, linked to fatal atypical myopathy

Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum

Low toxicity, rare reports of mild gastrointestinal irritation post ingestion

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

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