Stinking Chamomile Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,228 found this helpful

Anthemis cotula

Confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA documentation

Contains toxic compounds including volatile oils, bisabolol and anthemic acid

Long-term exposure can lead to dangerous bleeding tendencies alongside acute symptoms

FAQ

Is Stinking Chamomile toxic to Humans?

Potential contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested; bleeding risk with long-term intentional use (Low)

Is Stinking Chamomile toxic to Cats?

Contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, allergic reactions; bleeding tendencies with long-term exposure (Moderate)

Is Stinking Chamomile toxic to Dogs?

Contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, allergic reactions; bleeding tendencies with long-term exposure (Moderate)

Is Stinking Chamomile toxic to Horses?

Contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, allergic reactions; bleeding tendencies with long-term exposure (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Potential contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested; bleeding risk with long-term intentional use

Cats

Moderate

Contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, allergic reactions; bleeding tendencies with long-term exposure

Dogs

Moderate

Contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, allergic reactions; bleeding tendencies with long-term exposure

Horses

Moderate

Contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, allergic reactions; bleeding tendencies with long-term exposure

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll above-ground fresh plant parts, particularly foliage and flowers

Exposure RouteDirect skin contact, ingestion of plant material, long-term repeated exposure

Toxic CompoundsVolatile oil; bisabolol; chamazulene; anthemic acid; tannic acid

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the exposed subject's mouth, skin or fur immediately
• Rinse affected skin areas with cool soapy water if contact dermatitis is observed
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a medical/veterinary professional

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet or horse has ingested any quantity of Stinking Chamomile
• If you observe symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation or appetite loss after exposure
• If you suspect long-term repeated exposure, to screen for elevated bleeding risk

Prevention

• Remove all Stinking Chamomile plants from yards, pastures and areas accessible to pets and grazing animals
• Avoid allowing animals to graze on unknown chamomile-like flowering plants
• Wear protective gloves when handling the plant to prevent contact dermatitis

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care including fluid therapy to resolve gastrointestinal distress
• Topical or systemic antihistamines to treat allergic reactions and contact dermatitis
• Coagulation function monitoring and intervention for cases with confirmed long-term exposure

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAnthemis cotula

AliasesMayweed、Poison Daisy

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

SkinGastrointestinal tractBlood coagulation systemLiver (with long-term exposure)

Mechanism of Action

• Irritant compounds in the plant cause inflammation of skin and mucosal membranes on contact

• Acidic toxic compounds disrupt gastrointestinal lining function leading to vomiting and diarrhea

• Long-term exposure interferes with normal blood coagulation pathways to increase bleeding risk

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Moderate toxicity, causes oral irritation, diarrhea, reduced milk production and bleeding risk with regular grazing exposure

Sheep: Low to moderate toxicity, symptoms include skin rash, oral blistering and diarrhea following ingestion of large quantities

Goats: Low toxicity, generally avoids the plant due to its unpleasant odor, may develop mild digestive upset if forced to ingest it

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla

Visually nearly identical with white daisy-like flowers and feathery leaves; key difference is Stinking Chamomile has a strong foul odor when crushed, while common chamomile has a sweet, apple-like scent

Corn Chamomile Anthemis arvensis

Closely related species with matching flower structure; key difference is corn chamomile has no pungent unpleasant odor and is non-toxic to most animals

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Ragwort

Jacobaea vulgaris

High toxicity, causes irreversible fatal liver damage in all grazing animals and pets if ingested repeatedly

Common Tansy

Tanacetum vulgare

Moderate toxicity, causes gastrointestinal distress, seizures and liver damage if ingested in large quantities

Common Groundsel

Senecio vulgaris

High toxicity, leads to progressive irreversible liver damage in all animal species with regular ingestion

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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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