Wintercress Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,444 found this helpful

Barbarea orthoceras

Confirmed toxic to horses, while toxicity risks for cats and dogs are currently unclassified

The primary toxic compound is isothiocyanates, a common irritant found in Brassicaceae family plants

Ingestion by horses leads to clinical signs including gastrointestinal irritation and colic

FAQ

Is Wintercress toxic to Humans?

No documented toxicity data or adverse exposure cases available for humans (Unknown)

Is Wintercress toxic to Cats?

Toxicity status unknown, no confirmed clinical symptom records for feline exposure (Unknown)

Is Wintercress toxic to Dogs?

Toxicity status unknown, no confirmed clinical symptom records for canine exposure (Unknown)

Is Wintercress toxic to Horses?

Gastrointestinal irritation, colic, abdominal discomfort (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Unknown

No documented toxicity data or adverse exposure cases available for humans

Cats

Unknown

Toxicity status unknown, no confirmed clinical symptom records for feline exposure

Dogs

Unknown

Toxicity status unknown, no confirmed clinical symptom records for canine exposure

Horses

Moderate

Gastrointestinal irritation, colic, abdominal discomfort

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll above-ground plant parts, particularly seeds and young foliage, are considered potentially toxic

Exposure RouteOral ingestion is the primary confirmed exposure route

Toxic CompoundsIsothiocyanates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the exposed animal's mouth and surrounding area immediately
• Document the approximate amount ingested and time of exposure to share with veterinary staff
• Do not induce vomiting or administer home remedies unless explicitly directed by a licensed veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of the plant by horses, regardless of visible initial symptoms
• Signs of gastrointestinal distress, abdominal pain, or colic in any animal after potential exposure
• Accidental ingestion by cats or dogs, even if no immediate adverse symptoms are observed

Prevention

• Clear wild Wintercress growth from horse pastures, hay fields, and yards accessible to pets and livestock
• Store hay and feed supplies away from areas where wild Wintercress may contaminate the feed
• Educate pet owners and horse handlers on the visual identification of this toxic plant

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer activated charcoal under veterinary direction to reduce further absorption of toxic isothiocyanates
• Provide supportive care including fluid therapy and prescribed pain management for colic symptoms in affected horses
• Monitor gastrointestinal function for 24-48 hours post-exposure to identify any delayed complications

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameBarbarea orthoceras

AliasesAmerican yellowrocket、Upright wintercress、Mountain wintercress

Toxicity Grade

HumansUnknown

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractAbdominal digestive organs

Mechanism of Action

• Isothiocyanates irritate the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract upon ingestion, triggering localized inflammation and discomfort

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Toxicity status unconfirmed, no documented adverse effects reported to date

Sheep: Toxicity status unconfirmed, no documented adverse effects reported to date

Goats: Toxicity status unconfirmed, no documented adverse effects reported to date

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Wild Mustard Sinapis arvensis

Visually similar due to shared yellow flower heads and lobed lower foliage; key difference is Wintercress has smaller, more rounded upper leaves, while wild mustard has sharply toothed upper foliage

Garden Cress Lepidium sativum

Similar leaf shape and low growing habit; key difference is garden cress is cultivated for human consumption, with smaller, milder-tasting foliage compared to bitter wild Wintercress

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Related Toxic Plants

Black Mustard

Brassica nigra

Moderate toxicity, causes gastrointestinal irritation and mucosal damage in livestock and pets

Field Mustard

Brassica rapa

Low to moderate toxicity, triggers digestive upset and thyroid disruption in large, repeated doses

Tall Hedge Mustard

Sisymbrium altissimum

Moderate toxicity, causes oral irritation, salivation, and gastrointestinal distress when ingested

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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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