Ambrosia Mexicana Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,936 found this helpful

Chenopodium botrys

Ambrosia Mexicana is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per official ASPCA toxicology records

Its primary toxic active compounds are sesquiterpene lactones that drive adverse health reactions

Common clinical signs of ingestion include vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargic depression

FAQ

Is Ambrosia Mexicana toxic to Humans?

No formal ASPCA human toxicity data available; avoid consumption and seek medical care if adverse reactions occur after exposure (Low)

Is Ambrosia Mexicana toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, anorexia, depression (Moderate)

Is Ambrosia Mexicana toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, anorexia, depression (Moderate)

Is Ambrosia Mexicana toxic to Horses?

Rare vomiting, anorexia, depression, reduced activity levels (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No formal ASPCA human toxicity data available; avoid consumption and seek medical care if adverse reactions occur after exposure

Cats

Moderate

Vomiting, anorexia, depression

Dogs

Moderate

Vomiting, anorexia, depression

Horses

Moderate

Rare vomiting, anorexia, depression, reduced activity levels

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts (leaves, stems, flowers, seeds) are considered potentially toxic if ingested

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion; skin contact may cause mild, temporary irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsSesquiterpene lactones

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Prevent further ingestion by removing all remaining plant material from the animal’s mouth and surroundings
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for veterinary identification
• Contact a vet immediately to confirm if induced vomiting or at-home decontamination is appropriate

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet or horse has ingested any quantity of Ambrosia Mexicana
• The animal exhibits signs including vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy
• You are uncertain if the ingested plant is this toxic Chenopodium species

Prevention

• Keep potted or planted Ambrosia Mexicana out of reach of all pets and horses
• Clear wild growth of this species from pastures, yards, and other animal-accessible spaces
• Learn to identify this plant to avoid accidental planting in pet-friendly gardens

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinary-administered decontamination (e.g., activated charcoal) to reduce toxin absorption
• Supportive care including fluid therapy and anti-emetics to manage gastrointestinal symptoms
• Monitoring of appetite and energy levels until all clinical signs fully resolve

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameChenopodium botrys

AliasesJerusalem Oak、Feather Geranium

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCentral nervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Sesquiterpene lactones irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to digestive distress, and may cause mild central nervous system depression in affected animals

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Moderate toxicity risk; ingestion of large volumes may cause gastrointestinal distress and reduced feed intake

Sheep: Moderate toxicity risk; sesquiterpene lactones may trigger digestive irritation and weight loss with repeated exposure

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Low to moderate toxicity risk; avoid access to prevent gastrointestinal upset

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia

Confusable due to similar feathery foliage and shared 'Ambrosia' common name association; key difference: common ragweed is in the Asteraceae family, produces highly allergenic pollen, and lacks the distinct lobed, oak-like leaf structure of Jerusalem Oak.

Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum

Confusable due to the shared 'Feather Geranium' alias and similar lobed foliage; key difference: wild geranium is in the Geraniaceae family, produces 5-petaled pink flowers, and is non-toxic to most domestic animals.

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Lambsquarters

Chenopodium album

Moderate toxicity (risk of nitrate poisoning if consumed in large quantities)

Greasewood

Sarcobatus vermiculatus

High toxicity (risk of fatal oxalate poisoning in livestock)

Russian Thistle

Salsola tragus

Low to Moderate toxicity (causes digestive distress and nitrate poisoning in large doses)

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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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