Hawaiian baby woodrose Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,599 found this helpful

All plant parts except roots are toxic, with seeds holding the highest concentration of harmful ergoline alkaloids

Ingestion causes sedation, hallucinations, tachycardia, nausea, diarrhea, and altered consciousness

This species is frequently confused with lower-toxicity Convolvulus and Calystegia bindweed species

FAQ

Is Hawaiian baby woodrose toxic to Humans?

Sedation, clouded consciousness, hallucinations, restlessness, tachycardia, sweating, headaches, nausea, diarrhea (Moderate)

Is Hawaiian baby woodrose toxic to Cats?

No specific clinical data available; ingestion may cause neurological and gastrointestinal distress similar to human symptoms (Unknown)

Is Hawaiian baby woodrose toxic to Dogs?

No specific clinical data available; ingestion may cause neurological and gastrointestinal distress similar to human symptoms (Unknown)

Is Hawaiian baby woodrose toxic to Horses?

No specific clinical data available; ingestion may cause neurological and gastrointestinal distress similar to human symptoms (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Sedation, clouded consciousness, hallucinations, restlessness, tachycardia, sweating, headaches, nausea, diarrhea

Cats

Unknown

No specific clinical data available; ingestion may cause neurological and gastrointestinal distress similar to human symptoms

Dogs

Unknown

No specific clinical data available; ingestion may cause neurological and gastrointestinal distress similar to human symptoms

Horses

Unknown

No specific clinical data available; ingestion may cause neurological and gastrointestinal distress similar to human symptoms

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts except roots, with the highest toxicity in seeds

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; skin contact may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsAgroclavine; Elymoclavine; Chanoclavin I; Lysergol; Penniclavin; Ergin (Lysergic acid amide, psychotropic); Erginine (Isoergin); Lysergic acid-α-hydroxyethylamide; Ergometrin; Ergosin; Ergocornin; Ergocristine

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingested, induce vomiting only if the exposed individual is fully conscious and not seizing
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove remaining plant material
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification to guide care

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of plant material, especially seeds
• Onset of neurological symptoms including hallucinations, restlessness, sedation, or altered consciousness
• Development of gastrointestinal distress (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting) or rapid heart rate after exposure

Prevention

• Keep plants out of reach of children, pets, and livestock, particularly during seeding season
• Clearly label plants grown in gardens to avoid accidental ingestion
• Never consume any part of the plant for recreational or unregulated medicinal use

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer activated charcoal to absorb remaining unprocessed toxins in the digestive tract
• Provide supportive care including IV fluids to prevent dehydration and anti-emetics to control nausea
• Monitor cardiovascular and neurological function until all symptoms fully resolve

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameArgyreia nervosa (Burm.f.) Bojer; synonyms: Convolvulus nervosus Burm. f., Convolvulus speciosus Linn. f.

AliasesElephant creeper、Woolly morning glory

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Central nervous systemGastrointestinal tractCardiovascular system

Mechanism of Action

• Ergoline alkaloids act as serotonergic agonists in the central nervous system, inducing hallucinations and altered consciousness

• Sympathetic nervous system activation causes tachycardia, sweating, and restlessness

• Gastrointestinal tract irritation leads to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, goats: No specific toxicity data documented, but ingestion may lead to neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with human reactions

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Seed ingestion may cause sedation, digestive upset, and abnormal behavioral changes

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other bindweed species Convolvulus spp.

Similar leaf and funnel-shaped flower morphology; most Convolvulus species have far lower alkaloid content and lower overall toxicity

Hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium

Similar vining growth habit and light-colored funnel flowers; lacks the high concentration of psychotropic ergoline alkaloids found in Argyreia nervosa seeds

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Related Toxic Plants

Tricolor morning glory

Ipomoea tricolor

Low to Moderate

Beach moonflower

Ipomoea violacea

Moderate

Ololiuhqui

Turbina corymbosa

Moderate

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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.