Woolly yarrow Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 2,640 found this helpful

No verified human or domestic animal poisoning cases from this species have been published in scientific research to date.

Despite no confirmed toxicity reports, the plant is not classified as safe for use as feed for any domestic animal species.

The species carries a confusion risk with toxic related plants including common tansy and certain other yarrow varieties.

FAQ

Is Woolly yarrow toxic to Humans?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms documented; monitor for mild gastrointestinal discomfort if large quantities are ingested. (Non-toxic)

Is Woolly yarrow toxic to Cats?

No confirmed feline toxicity or associated symptoms reported to date. (Non-toxic)

Is Woolly yarrow toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed canine toxicity or associated symptoms reported to date. (Non-toxic)

Is Woolly yarrow toxic to Horses?

No confirmed equine toxicity or associated symptoms reported, but the plant is not suitable for feed. (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning symptoms documented; monitor for mild gastrointestinal discomfort if large quantities are ingested.

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed feline toxicity or associated symptoms reported to date.

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed canine toxicity or associated symptoms reported to date.

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed equine toxicity or associated symptoms reported, but the plant is not suitable for feed.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo plant parts have been confirmed toxic in published literature, but all plant material is unsuitable for animal feed.

Exposure RoutePrimary potential exposure route is ingestion; no adverse skin contact reactions are documented for this species.

Toxic CompoundsNo species-specific toxic compounds have been identified in peer-reviewed research to date.

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingested, rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean cool water to remove remaining plant material.
• Remove any leftover plant material from the reach of children, pets, and livestock to prevent further consumption.
• Monitor the exposed individual for unusual symptoms such as vomiting or lethargy for 24 hours post-ingestion.

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet or livestock displays persistent gastrointestinal distress or lethargy after suspected ingestion.
• If a small animal, foal, or immunocompromised animal has consumed large quantities of the plant.

Prevention

• Do not plant woolly yarrow in areas accessible to grazing livestock, pet runs, or young children's play areas.
• Confirm the identity of all forage and garden plants before allowing animal access or use as feed.
• Store harvested ornamental yarrow material out of reach of pets and livestock.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care is the standard recommendation for any mild adverse reactions following ingestion.
• Administer gastrointestinal protectants as directed by a doctor or veterinarian if discomfort occurs.
• No specific antidote exists for this species, as no confirmed toxic effects have been documented.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAchillea tomentosa L.

AliasesYellow yarrow、Woolly milfoil

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organ toxicity has been recorded for this species in peer-reviewed research to date.

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism has been documented for this species, as no confirmed poisoning cases exist on record.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: No confirmed toxicity reports, but use as part of regular cattle feed is not recommended.

Sheep: No recorded poisoning cases, but use of the plant as forage is not advised.

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No documented toxicity, but ingestion of large quantities is not recommended.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other yarrow species Other Achillea spp.

Visually similar feathery foliage and clustered flower structure; some Achillea species have documented mild to moderate toxicity in domestic animals.

Common tansy Tanacetum vulgare

Similar bright yellow clustered flower heads and fern-like foliage; common tansy is confirmed toxic to humans and all common domestic animal species.

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Related Toxic Plants

Common tansy

Tanacetum vulgare

Moderate toxicity

Common ragwort

Jacobaea vulgaris

Severe toxicity (permanent liver damage)

Florist's chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum × morifolium

Low to moderate toxicity (skin and gastrointestinal irritation)

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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.