Silver maple Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 3,766 found this helpful

Toxicity risk is almost exclusively limited to horses, with no confirmed harm to cats, dogs, or humans reported to date.

75% of affected horses die within 72 hours of symptom onset if they do not receive prompt veterinary care.

Toxicity is linked to mycotoxins from leaf spot pathogens, plus potential hypoglycin A cross-contamination from related Acer species.

FAQ

Is Silver maple toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity or associated adverse symptoms reported to date (Non-toxic)

Is Silver maple toxic to Cats?

No confirmed cat toxicity or associated adverse symptoms reported to date (Non-toxic)

Is Silver maple toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed dog toxicity or associated adverse symptoms reported to date (Non-toxic)

Is Silver maple toxic to Horses?

Atypical/seasonal pasture myopathy symptoms include muscle weakness, stiffness, dark urine, frequent lying down, colic signs, muscle tremors, and severe muscle pain (Severe)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed human toxicity or associated adverse symptoms reported to date

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed cat toxicity or associated adverse symptoms reported to date

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed dog toxicity or associated adverse symptoms reported to date

Horses

Severe

Atypical/seasonal pasture myopathy symptoms include muscle weakness, stiffness, dark urine, frequent lying down, colic signs, muscle tremors, and severe muscle pain

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsSeeds, dark discolored seeds, leaves infected with black spot lesions from Rhytisma acerinum

Exposure RouteIngestion of contaminated plant material is the only confirmed exposure route

Toxic CompoundsMycotoxins from Rhytisma acerinum; Hypoglycin A (non-proteinogenic amino acid, associated with related Acer species); Potential co-contribution from Clostridium sordellii

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately move the exposed animal away from any silver maple plant material to stop further ingestion
• Administer activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, under veterinary guidance
• Restrict movement of affected horses to reduce additional muscle damage

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed ingestion of silver maple seeds, discolored seeds, or spotted leaves by a horse
• Appearance of muscle weakness, dark urine, colic, or tremors in horses pastured near maple trees
• Unexplained lethargy or unusual symptoms in companion animals after suspected plant ingestion

Prevention

• Limit horse pasture time to a maximum of 6 hours during high-risk spring and fall (October to December) periods
• Do not graze horses on pastures containing maple trees, old wood, or accumulated leaf litter
• Provide adequate hay supplementation for horses on overgrazed pastures to reduce foraging for fallen plant material

Treatment & Prognosis

• Implement gastrointestinal decontamination procedures as soon as possible post-ingestion
• Provide targeted symptomatic care including pain management, fluid therapy to support kidney function, and muscle support
• Follow established equine emergency myopathy treatment protocols as directed by a veterinarian

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAcer saccharinum L.

AliasesCreek maple、Silverleaf maple、Soft maple、Water maple、Swamp maple、White maple

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesSevere

Target Organs

Skeletal musclesKidneysGastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Toxins disrupt muscle energy metabolism, leading to widespread rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue breakdown)

• Myoglobin released from damaged muscle tissue accumulates in the kidneys, causing acute kidney injury

• Secondary mycotoxins and potential bacterial co-infection worsen symptom severity and mortality risk

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Horse: Ingestion of toxic plant parts causes atypical myopathy with 75% mortality within 72 hours of symptom onset if left untreated

Cat: No confirmed toxicity cases or adverse effects have been documented to date

Dog: No confirmed toxicity cases or adverse effects have been documented to date

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Sycamore maple Acer pseudoplatanus

Both are large, deciduous maple species with similar broad, lobed leaf shapes; sycamore maple has confirmed high hypoglycin A content in its seeds, while silver maple toxicity is primarily linked to secondary contaminants

Box elder Acer negundo

Both species grow in similar wet, riparian habitats; box elder seeds contain confirmed high levels of hypoglycin A, a key toxic compound linked to equine atypical myopathy

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Sycamore maple

Acer pseudoplatanus

Severe (species-specific toxicity to horses)

Box elder

Acer negundo

Severe (species-specific toxicity to horses)

Japanese maple

Acer palmatum

Moderate (potential hypoglycin A content in seeds, low confirmed risk to companion animals)

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

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.