True Rose of Jericho Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 3,513 found this helpful

Anastatica hierochuntica contains the toxic flavonoids anastatin A and anastatin B

No confirmed animal or human poisoning cases from this plant have been reported in scientific literature to date

This plant is explicitly not recommended for use as feed for any livestock or companion animal species

FAQ

Is True Rose of Jericho toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human poisoning cases reported; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with large volume ingestion (Low)

Is True Rose of Jericho toxic to Cats?

No confirmed feline poisoning cases reported in available literature; monitor for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy if ingested (Low)

Is True Rose of Jericho toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed canine poisoning cases reported in available literature; monitor for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy if ingested (Low)

Is True Rose of Jericho toxic to Horses?

No confirmed equine poisoning cases reported in available literature; monitor for gastrointestinal distress if ingested (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No confirmed human poisoning cases reported; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with large volume ingestion

Cats

Low

No confirmed feline poisoning cases reported in available literature; monitor for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy if ingested

Dogs

Low

No confirmed canine poisoning cases reported in available literature; monitor for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy if ingested

Horses

Low

No confirmed equine poisoning cases reported in available literature; monitor for gastrointestinal distress if ingested

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsToxins detected across whole plant tissues; no specific toxic plant parts have been isolated in published research

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is accidental ingestion of plant material; no dermal or inhalation toxicity has been documented to date

Toxic CompoundsAnastatin A; Anastatin B

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed human or animal
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean cool water to eliminate residual plant matter
• Monitor closely for any unusual symptoms for the first 24 hours post-exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet or livestock ingests a large quantity of this plant
• If any unusual symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite) appear after exposure
• If you are unsure if the ingested plant is this toxic species or the non-toxic false Rose of Jericho lookalike

Prevention

• Keep this plant out of reach of pets, livestock and small children
• Never add this plant to any animal feed mix, including forage and treat blends
• Clearly label this plant to avoid misidentification as the non-toxic false Rose of Jericho

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care focused on managing any presenting gastrointestinal symptoms
• Activated charcoal may be administered for recent large ingestions to reduce toxin absorption
• Fluid therapy may be provided if dehydration occurs due to vomiting or diarrhea

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAnastatica hierochuntica L.

AliasesJericho rose、Maryam's flower、Mary's flower、White Mustard flower、Echte Rose von Jericho、Wüstenrose、Jerichorose、Marienrose、Anastatique、Vera rosa di Gerico

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

No specific target organs confirmed; potential mild gastrointestinal irritation may occur with ingestion

Mechanism of Action

• Exact toxic mechanism of anastatins A and B is not fully characterized in available published research

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No confirmed poisoning cases reported; plant is explicitly not recommended for use as feed due to confirmed toxin content

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No exposure data available; avoid feeding to prevent potential adverse effects

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

False Rose of Jericho Selaginella lepidophylla

Commonly mislabeled and sold as Rose of Jericho; the key difference is that this lookalike species is confirmed non-toxic, while true Anastatica hierochuntica contains documented flavonoid toxins

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Related Toxic Plants

Black Mustard

Brassica nigra

Low to Moderate toxicity

Jim Hill Mustard

Sisymbrium altissimum

Moderate toxicity

Wild Radish

Raphanus raphanistrum

Low toxicity

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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.