Erect clematis Toxic?
All fresh parts of erect clematis contain toxic protoanemonin, while fully dried plant material is non-toxic
Birds face severe, life-threatening toxicity risk from ingesting even small amounts of fresh plant material
Exposure symptoms include gastroenteritis, blood in urine, potential seizures and paralysis
FAQ
Is Erect clematis toxic to Humans?
Gastroenteritis, hematuria (blood in urine), possible seizures and paralysis (Moderate)
Is Erect clematis toxic to Cats?
No specific clinical data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal irritation, urinary symptoms and potential neurological effects consistent with protoanemonin exposure (Low)
Is Erect clematis toxic to Dogs?
No specific clinical data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal irritation, urinary symptoms and potential neurological effects consistent with protoanemonin exposure (Low)
Is Erect clematis toxic to Horses?
No specific clinical data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal irritation, urinary symptoms and potential neurological effects consistent with protoanemonin exposure (Low)
Toxicity Details
Gastroenteritis, hematuria (blood in urine), possible seizures and paralysis
No specific clinical data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal irritation, urinary symptoms and potential neurological effects consistent with protoanemonin exposure
No specific clinical data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal irritation, urinary symptoms and potential neurological effects consistent with protoanemonin exposure
No specific clinical data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal irritation, urinary symptoms and potential neurological effects consistent with protoanemonin exposure
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove any remaining fresh plant material from the mouth of the exposed individual immediately
- • Rinse the mouth and any sap-exposed skin with clean, cool water
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a medical professional or veterinarian
- • Document the amount ingested and time of exposure to share with medical providers
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Confirmed ingestion of fresh plant material by pets, livestock or young children
- • Appearance of symptoms including vomiting, blood in urine, seizures or muscle weakness
- • Ingestion of large quantities of unidentified clematis plant material
Prevention
- • Keep fresh erect clematis plants out of reach of pets, children and livestock
- • Never feed fresh cuttings of this plant to any animal, especially birds
- • Confirm full identification of foraged plant material before use to avoid accidental ingestion
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer decontamination measures such as activated charcoal as directed by a medical provider
- • Provide targeted symptomatic and supportive care for presenting symptoms
- • Monitor urinary and neurological function for 24-48 hours post-exposure
Professional Toxicology
• Protoanemonin causes direct irritation to the mucosal membranes of the gastrointestinal tract upon ingestion
• Systemic absorption of the compound leads to damage of the urinary tract and disruption of nervous system function
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
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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.

