Charlock Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 3,456 found this helpful

Brassica kaber

Isothiocyanates are the confirmed primary toxic principle of Charlock per ASPCA records

The plant is proven toxic to horses, while toxicity risks to cats and dogs are not yet established

Ingestion in horses may trigger adverse effects including gastrointestinal irritation and colic

FAQ

Is Charlock toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity reported; large ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (Non-toxic)

Is Charlock toxic to Cats?

Toxicity and associated symptoms are unconfirmed; no specific clinical signs documented (Non-toxic)

Is Charlock toxic to Dogs?

Toxicity and associated symptoms are unconfirmed; no specific clinical signs documented (Non-toxic)

Is Charlock toxic to Horses?

Gastrointestinal irritation, colic (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed human toxicity reported; large ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset

Cats

Non-toxic

Toxicity and associated symptoms are unconfirmed; no specific clinical signs documented

Dogs

Non-toxic

Toxicity and associated symptoms are unconfirmed; no specific clinical signs documented

Horses

Moderate

Gastrointestinal irritation, colic

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts, particularly mature seeds and foliage, contain measurable concentrations of toxic isothiocyanates

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

Toxic CompoundsIsothiocyanates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining Charlock material from the exposed animal's mouth immediately if ingestion is witnessed
• Rinse the oral cavity thoroughly with cool clean water to reduce residual irritant exposure
• Monitor the animal closely for early signs of gastrointestinal discomfort for at least 2 hours post-exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• The exposed animal is a horse exhibiting signs of colic or persistent gastrointestinal irritation
• A cat or dog develops unusual symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain after ingestion
• A large quantity of the plant was consumed by any companion or grazing livestock animal

Prevention

• Clear Charlock growth from horse pastures, hay fields and areas accessible to grazing livestock
• Avoid feeding hay or forage contaminated with Charlock to equines to reduce exposure risk
• Keep garden-grown or potted Charlock out of reach of all companion animals as a precaution

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarians may administer activated charcoal for recent large ingestions to reduce toxic absorption
• Supportive care including fluid therapy and pain management is provided for horses suffering from colic
• Symptomatic care including anti-emetics and gastroprotectants may be given if pets develop adverse effects

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameBrassica kaber

AliasesWild Mustard、California Rape

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Isothiocyanates released when plant tissue is damaged irritate the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation and associated clinical signs

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Toxicity is suspected but unconfirmed; large ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation

Sheep: Toxicity is suspected but unconfirmed; small quantities of the plant in forage are generally well-tolerated

Goats: Toxicity is suspected but unconfirmed; no significant adverse effects reported from low-level ingestion

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Field Mustard Brassica rapa

Visually similar due to shared bright yellow 4-petaled flowers and elongated seed pods; key difference: Charlock has bristly, hairy stems while Field Mustard stems are mostly smooth

Rapeseed Brassica napus

Shares similar growth habit and flower appearance; key difference: Rapeseed has hairless, waxy foliage unlike the hairy leaves of Charlock

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Related Toxic Plants

Black Mustard

Brassica nigra

Moderate toxicity to livestock, contains isothiocyanates that cause gastrointestinal irritation

Horseradish

Armoracia rusticana

Low to moderate toxicity, ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation in pets and livestock

Wild Radish

Raphanus raphanistrum

Low to moderate toxicity, ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress and photosensitization in livestock

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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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