Clematis Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,828 found this helpful

Clematis spp.

Clematis is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA toxicity data

The primary active toxic compound in Clematis is the irritant glycoside protoanemonin

Ingestion of Clematis typically causes mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress in affected animals

FAQ

Is Clematis toxic to Humans?

Oral irritation, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential skin redness/irritation on contact with fresh sap (Low)

Is Clematis toxic to Cats?

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, oral discomfort (Low)

Is Clematis toxic to Dogs?

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, oral discomfort (Low)

Is Clematis toxic to Horses?

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Oral irritation, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential skin redness/irritation on contact with fresh sap

Cats

Low

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, oral discomfort

Dogs

Low

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, oral discomfort

Horses

Low

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll fresh plant parts are toxic, particularly leaves, stems, and sap; toxicity decreases significantly when plant material is fully dried

Exposure RouteIngestion of fresh plant material, direct skin or mucous membrane contact with fresh plant sap

Toxic CompoundsIrritant glycoside (Protoanemonin)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining Clematis material from the mouth, skin, or fur of the exposed individual immediately
• Rinse the mouth with clean water, or wash affected skin with mild soap and cool water to remove residual sap
• Offer small sips of water to dilute irritants for ingesting animals, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet/medical provider

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the exposed animal exhibits persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of severe oral pain
• If the animal ingested a large quantity of fresh Clematis material
• If symptoms do not resolve within 2 hours, or if unusual lethargy/respiratory distress develops

Prevention

• Keep potted and garden Clematis plantings out of reach of cats, dogs, and grazing horses
• Wear gardening gloves when handling fresh Clematis to avoid skin irritation from sap
• Clear wild Clematis growth from livestock pastures and grazing areas

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care including fluid therapy to correct dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea
• Administration of gastrointestinal protectants to reduce digestive tract irritation
• Symptomatic care for skin or oral irritation, no specific antidote exists for protoanemonin exposure

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameClematis spp.

AliasesVirgin’s Bower、Leatherflower

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Oral mucous membranesGastrointestinal tractSkin

Mechanism of Action

• Protoanemonin is released when Clematis plant tissue is damaged, causing direct, immediate irritation to contacted mucous membranes, skin, and gastrointestinal lining

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Low toxicity risk, ingestion of small amounts causes mild gastrointestinal irritation, large ingestion may lead to more severe digestive distress

Sheep: Very low toxicity risk, most exposures only result in mild, self-limiting diarrhea and salivation

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Wild Rose Rosa spp.

Both produce showy multi-petaled flowers and may grow as vines; wild roses have thorny stems and edible rose hips, while Clematis has thornless stems and toxic foliage

Passionflower Passiflora incarnata

Both are common decorative climbing vines; passionflower has distinct fringed flower coronas and edible fruit, while Clematis lacks fringed flower parts and is toxic if ingested

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Related Toxic Plants

Buttercup

Ranunculus spp.

Moderate toxicity

Monkshood

Aconitum spp.

Severe toxicity

Larkspur

Delphinium spp.

High toxicity

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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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