New York aster Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,366 found this helpful
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii (L.) G.L.Nesom (syn. Aster novi-belgii L.)
1

New York aster can accumulate high selenium content when grown in selenium-rich soils, making it unsuitable for livestock feed

2

Only Aster species-related poisoning cases have been formally reported in grazing animals to date

3

No confirmed toxicity cases in cats, dogs, or humans are documented in available peer-reviewed literature

FAQ

Is New York aster toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human poisoning cases reported; high selenium intake may cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss if large quantities are ingested (Non-toxic)

Is New York aster toxic to Cats?

No confirmed feline toxicity cases documented to date; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is New York aster toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed canine toxicity cases documented to date; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is New York aster toxic to Horses?

Selenium toxicity from ingestion may cause lethargy, reduced appetite, hair loss, and hoof damage in severe cases (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans
Non-toxic

No confirmed human poisoning cases reported; high selenium intake may cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss if large quantities are ingested

Cats
Non-toxic

No confirmed feline toxicity cases documented to date; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with large ingestion

Dogs
Non-toxic

No confirmed canine toxicity cases documented to date; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with large ingestion

Horses
Low

Selenium toxicity from ingestion may cause lethargy, reduced appetite, hair loss, and hoof damage in severe cases

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll above-ground plant parts may accumulate high selenium levels
Exposure RouteIngestion of fresh or dried plant material, primarily by grazing livestock
Toxic CompoundsAccumulated environmental selenium

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

  • • Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water if plant material is ingested by humans or pets
  • • Remove any remaining plant material from the reach of the affected individual or animal
  • • Monitor for signs of gastrointestinal upset for 2 to 4 hours post-ingestion

Contact Vet Immediately

  • • If a grazing animal shows lethargy, appetite loss, hair loss, or lameness after ingestion
  • • If a large quantity of plant material is ingested by any companion animal or livestock
  • • If unusual, persistent symptoms develop after ingestion in any species

Prevention

  • • Do not plant New York aster in pastures or areas accessible to grazing livestock
  • • Never feed any Aster species plant material to livestock as a forage source
  • • Keep plants grown in known selenium-rich soils away from pets and livestock

Treatment & Prognosis

  • • Provide supportive care for gastrointestinal symptoms if they develop
  • • Selenium toxicity may require targeted chelation therapy under veterinary supervision
  • • Administer symptom-based care for any secondary organ damage linked to excessive selenium intake
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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSymphyotrichum novi-belgii (L.) G.L.Nesom (syn. Aster novi-belgii L.)
AliasesNew Belgium aster、Smooth-leaf aster
Toxicity Grade
HumansNon-toxic
CatsNon-toxic
DogsNon-toxic
HorsesLow
Target Organs
Gastrointestinal tractHair folliclesHoovesLiverKidneys
Mechanism of Action

• Excess accumulated selenium in plant tissue disrupts cellular function and protein synthesis in animals that ingest sufficient quantities

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, goats (grazing livestock): Poisoning cases from high-selenium Aster species ingestion have been reported; this plant is not suitable for use as feed
Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No confirmed toxicity cases reported, but ingestion is not recommended due to potential selenium content
Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Aster species Aster spp.
Visually similar in flower and foliage structure; selenium accumulation levels vary significantly across different Aster species
Cineraria Pericallis x hybrida
Visually similar composite flower structure; Cineraria is highly toxic, unlike New York aster
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Related Toxic Plants

Common ragwort
Common ragwort
Jacobaea vulgaris
Severe toxicity, causes irreversible liver damage in all grazing animals
Common tansy
Common tansy
Tanacetum vulgare
Moderate toxicity, causes gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms if ingested
Florist's chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum x morifolium
Low to moderate toxicity, causes contact dermatitis and mild gastrointestinal upset

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Data Sources

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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