Virgin's Bower Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 1,864 found this helpful

Clematis sp.

Clematis sp. is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with low risk of mild adverse effects in humans

The primary toxic compound is protoanemonin, an irritant glycoside present in all plant tissues

Ingestion typically causes self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea

FAQ

Is Virgin's Bower toxic to Humans?

Oral irritation, excessive salivation, gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and mild contact dermatitis from sap exposure in sensitive individuals (Low)

Is Virgin's Bower toxic to Cats?

Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea (Low)

Is Virgin's Bower toxic to Dogs?

Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea (Low)

Is Virgin's Bower toxic to Horses?

Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Oral irritation, excessive salivation, gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and mild contact dermatitis from sap exposure in sensitive individuals

Cats

Low

Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea

Dogs

Low

Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea

Horses

Low

Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll fresh and dried plant parts, including leaves, stems, flowers, and roots

Exposure RouteIngestion of plant material; direct skin contact with damaged plant sap may cause mild localized irritation

Toxic CompoundsIrritant glycoside (Protoanemonin)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the exposed subject's mouth, skin, or environment immediately
• Rinse affected oral tissues or skin with cool, clean water to reduce irritant exposure
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a veterinarian or poison control professional

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet or horse has ingested any quantity of Clematis plant material
• You observe salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, or oral swelling after confirmed or suspected exposure
• Severe redness, blistering, or pain develops after contact with plant sap

Prevention

• Keep potted or garden Clematis plants, pruned cuttings, and yard waste out of reach of pets, horses, and young children
• Wear protective gloves when handling or pruning Clematis to avoid sap contact with skin
• Educate household and farm staff about the plant's toxicity to prevent accidental ingestion

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care including fluid therapy to correct dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea
• Administration of anti-emetics and gastrointestinal protectants to reduce mucosal irritation
• Topical anti-inflammatory medications for severe cases of contact dermatitis

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameClematis sp.

AliasesClematis、Leatherflower

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Oral mucous membranesGastrointestinal tractSkin (contact exposure)

Mechanism of Action

• Protoanemonin is released when plant tissue is damaged, acting as a direct irritant to mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation and associated symptoms

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Ingestion causes salivation, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal inflammation, with rare severe outcomes from large grazing intake

Sheep: Low risk of serious effects under normal grazing conditions, but large intake may cause gastrointestinal distress

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Ingestion may cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, and soft stool or diarrhea

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Passionflower Passiflora incarnata

Both have vining growth habit and large, ornate flowers; passionflower has a distinct fringed central corona and is classified non-toxic to most domestic animals by the ASPCA

Carolina Jessamine Gelsemium sempervirens

Both are climbing vines with pale, fragrant flowers; Carolina Jessamine has tubular yellow blooms and is significantly more toxic, with life-threatening neurological effects from ingestion

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Buttercup

Ranunculus sp.

Moderate toxicity; causes gastrointestinal irritation and mucous membrane blistering on ingestion

Monkshood

Aconitum napellus

Severe toxicity; even small ingestion can cause fatal cardiac and neurological effects in humans and animals

Larkspur

Delphinium sp.

High toxicity; causes neuromuscular paralysis and is often fatal to livestock and companion animals if 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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