Alyssum Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,462 found this helpful

Alyssum spp.

Alyssum is classified as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per verified plant toxicology data

No harmful poisoning symptoms are expected from incidental ingestion or contact with Alyssum

Alyssum is part of the Brassicaceae family, which includes both non-toxic and toxic plant species

FAQ

Is Alyssum toxic to Humans?

No documented toxicity symptoms from incidental exposure; consult a healthcare provider if unusual symptoms occur after large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Alyssum toxic to Cats?

No known toxic symptoms expected from exposure or ingestion; mild digestive upset may occur only if very large volumes are consumed (Non-toxic)

Is Alyssum toxic to Dogs?

No known toxic symptoms expected from exposure or ingestion; mild digestive upset may occur only if very large volumes are consumed (Non-toxic)

Is Alyssum toxic to Horses?

No known toxic symptoms expected from exposure or ingestion; mild digestive upset may occur only if very large volumes are consumed (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No documented toxicity symptoms from incidental exposure; consult a healthcare provider if unusual symptoms occur after large ingestion

Cats

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms expected from exposure or ingestion; mild digestive upset may occur only if very large volumes are consumed

Dogs

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms expected from exposure or ingestion; mild digestive upset may occur only if very large volumes are consumed

Horses

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms expected from exposure or ingestion; mild digestive upset may occur only if very large volumes are consumed

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo identified toxic plant parts; all plant components are considered non-harmful to cats, dogs, and horses

Exposure RouteCommon exposure routes include incidental ingestion, skin contact, and pollen inhalation, none of which carry known toxic risk

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic phytochemicals associated with Alyssum spp. have been identified in standard toxicology screenings

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If large amounts are ingested, rinse the mouth of the exposed animal or human with clean water to remove remaining plant material
• Monitor for mild, non-toxic digestive discomfort (e.g., mild vomiting) that may occur from eating large volumes of any vegetation
• Document the amount ingested and confirm plant identification for reference if unusual symptoms develop

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet or horse displays persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after ingesting large quantities of Alyssum
• If you cannot confirm the ingested plant is correctly identified as non-toxic Alyssum
• If any unusual symptoms persist longer than 2 hours after exposure

Prevention

• Verify plant identification before introducing new plants to areas accessible to pets, livestock, or young children
• Avoid letting bored animals overconsume large volumes of any landscape plant, including non-toxic Alyssum
• Keep a photographic reference of common toxic and non-toxic landscape plants for quick identification

Treatment & Prognosis

• No specific anti-toxin treatment is required for Alyssum exposure, as it is non-toxic
• Provide supportive care (e.g., small amounts of fresh water, rest) if mild digestive upset occurs from overconsumption
• Address any persistent symptoms with symptomatic care as recommended by a medical or veterinary provider

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAlyssum spp.

AliasesAlyssum varieties

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organ systems are known to be negatively affected by exposure to Alyssum spp.

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism of action has been identified for Alyssum spp., as it does not produce phytochemicals harmful to mammalian biological systems

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: No documented toxic risk; large consumption may cause mild, non-specific digestive upset as with any non-toxic forage

Sheep: No confirmed toxicity reported; considered safe for grazing in moderate quantities

Domestic Rabbits: Non-toxic; may be safely included in small quantities in rabbit forage mixes

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Basket of Gold (Gold Alyssum) Aurinia saxatilis

Often misclassified as Alyssum due to similar low-growing habit and small yellow flower clusters; it was formerly part of the Alyssum genus, and is also non-toxic

Creeping Thyme Thymus serpyllum

Low-growing groundcover with small white/pink flowers that may be confused with white alyssum varieties; can be distinguished by its strong aromatic scent when foliage is crushed

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Related Toxic Plants

Hoary Alyssum

Berteroa incana

Moderately toxic, can cause laminitis and digestive upset in horses if consumed

Wild Mustard

Sinapis arvensis

Moderately toxic, contains glucosinolates that cause digestive damage and thyroid issues in large doses

Yellow Rocket

Barbarea vulgaris

Low to moderately toxic, causes digestive irritation in pets and livestock if consumed in large quantities

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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.

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