Jerusalem Oak Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 1,035 found this helpful

Ambrosia mexicana

Ambrosia mexicana is confirmed toxic to cats and dogs, while its toxicity risk to horses remains unstudied to date.

Sesquiterpene lactones are the identified primary toxic principle of the plant per ASPCA research.

Common clinical signs of ingestion in affected animals include vomiting, anorexia, and depressive behavior.

FAQ

Is Jerusalem Oak toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity cases are documented in available public data, precaution is recommended. (Low)

Is Jerusalem Oak toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, anorexia, depression (Low)

Is Jerusalem Oak toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, anorexia, depression (Low)

Is Jerusalem Oak toxic to Horses?

Toxicity risk is unconfirmed, no formal clinical symptom data is available for equines. (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No confirmed human toxicity cases are documented in available public data, precaution is recommended.

Cats

Low

Vomiting, anorexia, depression

Dogs

Low

Vomiting, anorexia, depression

Horses

Low

Toxicity risk is unconfirmed, no formal clinical symptom data is available for equines.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts (leaves, stems, flowers, seeds) are presumed toxic, per risk patterns for related Ambrosia species.

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is accidental ingestion; dermal contact may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals or animals.

Toxic CompoundsSesquiterpene lactones

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove any remaining plant material from the exposed animal's mouth and cut off access to remaining plants.
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed to do so by a licensed veterinarian.
• Collect a full sample of the ingested plant to share with your vet for accurate identification.

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your cat or dog has ingested any quantity of Jerusalem Oak.
• Your pet develops vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy after potential exposure to this plant.
• You suspect exposure and your animal is exhibiting unusual behavioral changes.

Prevention

• Remove all Jerusalem Oak plants from yards, pastures, and other areas accessible to pets and grazing animals.
• Train household members and animal caretakers to identify this plant to avoid accidental feeding or exposure.
• Supervise pets and livestock when in wild areas where Ambrosia mexicana is known to grow.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinary supportive care including fluid therapy to offset dehydration from repeated vomiting.
• Symptomatic treatment with anti-emetics to control vomiting and appetite stimulants for prolonged anorexia.
• Monitoring of central nervous system function and gastrointestinal health until all symptoms resolve fully.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAmbrosia mexicana

AliasesFeather Geranium、Ambrosia Mexicana

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCentral nervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Sesquiterpene lactones irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa upon ingestion, triggering vomiting and reduced food intake.

• Compounds exert mild depressant effects on the central nervous system, leading to lethargy and depressive symptoms in affected animals.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Toxicity is unconfirmed, but ingestion is discouraged as related Ambrosia species are known to cause gastrointestinal distress in ruminants.

Sheep and Goats: No recorded toxicity cases, but avoiding access to the plant in grazing pastures is recommended as a precaution.

Captive small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset and appetite loss, so the plant should never be included in their feed.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia

Visually similar due to shared feathery, lobed leaf structure; key difference is Common Ragweed produces tall, prominent pollen-bearing spikes, while Jerusalem Oak has shorter, softer foliage clusters.

Lamb's Quarters Chenopodium album

Member of the same Chenopodiaceae family with similar growth habit; key difference is Lamb's Quarters has broad, mealy-textured pale leaves, versus Jerusalem Oak's fine, fern-like dark green leaves.

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Ragweed

Ambrosia artemisiifolia

Moderate toxicity

Giant Ragweed

Ambrosia trifida

Moderate toxicity

Redroot Pigweed

Amaranthus retroflexus

High toxicity

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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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