Velvet Maple Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 1,963 found this helpful

This maple species has no confirmed toxicity data for humans, cats or dogs, but is highly toxic to horses

Ingestion of toxic parts by horses causes atypical pasture myopathy with a 75% mortality rate within 72 hours of symptom onset

Toxic components include hypoglycin A, Rhytisma acerinum mycotoxins, and potential Clostridium sordellii toxins

FAQ

Is Velvet Maple toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity data or associated adverse events are currently available (Non-toxic)

Is Velvet Maple toxic to Cats?

No confirmed feline toxicity data or associated adverse events are currently available (Non-toxic)

Is Velvet Maple toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed canine toxicity data or associated adverse events are currently available (Non-toxic)

Is Velvet Maple toxic to Horses?

Atypical myopathy/seasonal pasture myopathy presenting with muscle weakness, stiffness, dark urine, frequent lying down, colic signs, muscle tremors, and severe muscle pain; 75% of affected horses die within 72 hours (Severe)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed human toxicity data or associated adverse events are currently available

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed feline toxicity data or associated adverse events are currently available

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed canine toxicity data or associated adverse events are currently available

Horses

Severe

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsSeeds, dark discolored seeds, and leaves infested with black spot fungal growth (Rhytisma acerinum)

Exposure RouteIngestion of toxic plant parts, most commonly via grazing on pastures with fallen maple seeds or infested foliage

Toxic CompoundsMycotoxins from Rhytisma acerinum; Hypoglycin A (non-proteinogenic amino acid); Potential Clostridium sordellii toxins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Move affected animals immediately away from pastures with any Acer maple species
• Administer activated charcoal as soon as possible to reduce toxin absorption if ingestion is confirmed
• Keep the animal calm and restrict all strenuous exercise to minimize additional muscle damage

Contact Vet Immediately

• If any symptoms of muscle weakness, dark urine, stiffness, or muscle pain appear after exposure to maple plant parts
• If ingestion of Acer velutinum seeds, discolored seeds, or black-spotted leaves is confirmed
• If atypical myopathy is suspected in grazing horses during spring or fall (October to December) high-risk periods

Prevention

• Limit horse grazing time to a maximum of 6 hours per day during high-risk spring and fall (October to December) periods
• Avoid grazing horses on pastures with maple trees, old wood debris, or fallen maple foliage
• Provide sufficient hay supplementation for horses on overgrazed pastures to reduce consumption of fallen toxic plant material

Treatment & Prognosis

• Decontamination procedures to eliminate unabsorbed toxins from the digestive tract
• Symptomatic supportive care including fluid therapy, pain management, and muscle support as part of emergency clinical treatment

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAcer velutinum Boiss.

AliasesPersian maple、Caucasian maple、Samt-Ahorn、Persischer Berg-Ahorn

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesSevere

Target Organs

Skeletal muscleKidneys (secondary to myoglobinuria from muscle breakdown)

Mechanism of Action

• Hypoglycin A disrupts fatty acid oxidation in muscle cells, leading to widespread muscle tissue necrosis

• Mycotoxins produced by Rhytisma acerinum fungal infestation exacerbate toxic effects on muscle tissue

• Toxins from potential Clostridium sordellii infection may contribute to additional tissue damage and disease severity

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Horse: Severe fatal risk: ingestion causes atypical pasture myopathy with 75% mortality rate within 72 hours of symptom onset

Cat: No confirmed toxicity or adverse health effects reported to date

Dog: No confirmed toxicity or adverse health effects reported to date

Ruminant Livestock (Sheep/Cattle): No confirmed species-specific toxicity data available to date

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Sycamore Maple Acer pseudoplatanus

Both are large maple species with highly similar leaf, seed, and growth morphology; Acer pseudoplatanus is confirmed to contain high concentrations of toxic hypoglycin A

Box Elder Acer negundo

Maple species with comparable seed structure and foliage appearance, known to carry hypoglycin A toxicity risk for grazing horses

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Related Toxic Plants

Ohio Buckeye

Aesculus glabra

Moderate toxicity to humans, horses, and other livestock, causing neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested

Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum

Moderate to severe toxicity to horses, linked to atypical myopathy via hypoglycin A content

Goldenrain Tree

Koelreuteria paniculata

Low to moderate toxicity, causing gastrointestinal distress, fever, and lethargy in humans and animals if ingested

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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.