Alpine clematis Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 3,542 found this helpful

All fresh parts of Alpine clematis are toxic, while fully dried plant material poses no poisoning risk

Protoanemonin is the primary toxic compound driving adverse effects after ingestion of fresh plant matter

Birds face severe, potentially fatal toxicity risk from this plant, while effects for cats, dogs, and horses are not formally documented

FAQ

Is Alpine clematis toxic to Humans?

Gastroenteritis, hematuria (bloody urine), possible cramping and paralysis (Moderate)

Is Alpine clematis toxic to Cats?

Toxicity data not formally published; ingestion may trigger gastrointestinal distress, hematuria, cramping or paralysis consistent with general toxic effects of the species (Unknown)

Is Alpine clematis toxic to Dogs?

Toxicity data not formally published; ingestion may trigger gastrointestinal distress, hematuria, cramping or paralysis consistent with general toxic effects of the species (Unknown)

Is Alpine clematis toxic to Horses?

Toxicity data not formally published; ingestion may trigger gastrointestinal distress, hematuria, cramping or paralysis consistent with general toxic effects of the species (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Gastroenteritis, hematuria (bloody urine), possible cramping and paralysis

Cats

Unknown

Toxicity data not formally published; ingestion may trigger gastrointestinal distress, hematuria, cramping or paralysis consistent with general toxic effects of the species

Dogs

Unknown

Toxicity data not formally published; ingestion may trigger gastrointestinal distress, hematuria, cramping or paralysis consistent with general toxic effects of the species

Horses

Unknown

Toxicity data not formally published; ingestion may trigger gastrointestinal distress, hematuria, cramping or paralysis consistent with general toxic effects of the species

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll fresh plant tissue; fully dried plant material is non-toxic

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion of fresh plant material; mild dermal irritation may occur with prolonged contact with fresh plant sap

Toxic CompoundsProtoanemonin

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean water immediately to remove residual fresh plant material
• Induce vomiting only if explicitly advised by a medical or veterinary professional, within 1 hour of ingestion
• Avoid giving food, milk or other fluids unless instructed to do so by a healthcare provider

Contact Vet Immediately

• If a pet or livestock animal has ingested any amount of fresh Alpine clematis
• If symptoms including vomiting, bloody urine, cramping or paralysis appear after exposure
• If a large quantity of fresh plant material was consumed, even if no symptoms are present initially

Prevention

• Do not plant Alpine clematis in areas accessible to young children, pets, or free-ranging livestock
• Clearly label ornamental Alpine clematis specimens to prevent accidental ingestion
• Inspect fresh animal forage to ensure no contamination with fresh Alpine clematis tissue

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer gastrointestinal decontamination measures such as activated charcoal as appropriate for time since ingestion
• Provide supportive symptomatic care including fluid therapy to address dehydration from gastroenteritis
• Monitor kidney function closely if hematuria is observed, and manage neurological symptoms (cramping, paralysis) as they arise

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameClematis alpina (L.) Mill.

AliasesAtragene alpina L.、Alpen-Waldrebe、Alpenrebe、Clématide des Alpes、Atragène des Alpes、Clematide alpina

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractKidneysCentral nervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Protoanemonin irritates mucosal membranes, damages the gastrointestinal lining, and impairs nervous system function in sufficient doses

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Birds: Severely toxic (+++); ingestion can trigger severe gastroenteritis, hematuria, neurological dysfunction including cramping and paralysis, and may be fatal without prompt treatment

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Clematis species Clematis spp.

Most Clematis species share very similar morphological traits including vining growth and distinct multi-petaled flowers, and nearly all contain the same toxic compound protoanemonin, making them easy to misidentify as Alpine clematis.

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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.