Downy lady's mantle Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,410 found this helpful

Alchemilla hybrida aggr., Alchemilla pubescens Lam., Alchemilla glaucescens Wallr.

No confirmed toxicity to humans, cats, or dogs from incidental small intake of the plant

Consumption exceeding 10% of total feed reduces palatability and digestibility in grazing animals like horses

Easily confused with other closely related Alchemilla species with identical low-toxicity profiles

FAQ

Is Downy lady's mantle toxic to Humans?

No reported adverse effects from typical use; extreme overconsumption may cause mild digestive upset (Non-toxic)

Is Downy lady's mantle toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxicity; incidental small intake is not expected to cause symptoms (Non-toxic)

Is Downy lady's mantle toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxicity; incidental small intake is not expected to cause symptoms (Non-toxic)

Is Downy lady's mantle toxic to Horses?

Reduced feed intake, poor digestibility, mild gastrointestinal discomfort if intake exceeds 10% of feed ration (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No reported adverse effects from typical use; extreme overconsumption may cause mild digestive upset

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxicity; incidental small intake is not expected to cause symptoms

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxicity; incidental small intake is not expected to cause symptoms

Horses

Low

Reduced feed intake, poor digestibility, mild gastrointestinal discomfort if intake exceeds 10% of feed ration

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant, only harmful when ingested in very large quantities (over 10% of total feed intake for grazing animals)

Exposure RouteOral ingestion; no dermal or inhalation toxicity documented for this species

Toxic CompoundsCondensed tannins; Flavonoid glycosides; Salicylic acid derivatives

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove remaining plant material from the exposed individual/animal's mouth and restrict further access
• For grazing animals, immediately replace feed with high Alchemilla content with alternative forage
• Monitor for 24 hours for signs of reduced appetite, loose stools, or gastrointestinal discomfort

Contact Vet Immediately

• If a horse/grazing animal refuses feed for more than 12 hours after exposure
• If persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy develops after large ingestion
• If a young child ingests a very large quantity and shows unusual digestive symptoms

Prevention

• Test grazing pastures regularly to ensure Alchemilla content stays below 10% of total forage
• Keep ornamental Alchemilla plantings out of reach of young children and indoor companion pets
• Train forage handlers to correctly identify Alchemilla species to avoid excessive feed inclusion

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide oral rehydration to address dehydration from reduced feed intake or loose stools
• Administer probiotic and digestive support supplements to restore normal gut function in affected animals
• Deliver symptomatic care for mild gastrointestinal upset as required for exposed individuals

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAlchemilla hybrida aggr., Alchemilla pubescens Lam., Alchemilla glaucescens Wallr.

AliasesHybrid lady's mantle、Soft-haired lady's mantle、Woolly lady's mantle

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• High tannin concentrations in large ingestions reduce feed protein digestibility and palatability, leading to mild gastrointestinal irritation and reduced feed intake

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Ingestion of >10% of feed as Alchemilla reduces feed digestibility and causes mild appetite loss

Sheep: Low risk; naturally tolerant to higher tannin levels, no adverse effects reported at typical forage inclusion rates

Goats: Very low risk; high tannin tolerance means no harmful effects even at slightly higher intake levels

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common lady's mantle Alchemilla vulgaris

Morphologically nearly identical to downy lady's mantle, with the same low toxicity profile; differentiated only by leaf hair density and margin serration shape

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Related Toxic Plants

Common lady's mantle

Alchemilla vulgaris

Low toxicity, identical risk profile to downy lady's mantle

Black cherry

Prunus serotina

High toxicity, wilted foliage contains lethal cyanogenic glycosides for grazing animals

Firethorn

Pyracantha coccinea

Moderate toxicity, berry ingestion causes severe gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting

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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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