Golden clematis Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 1,945 found this helpful
Clematis tangutica (Maxim.) Korsh.
1

All fresh parts of Golden clematis contain toxic protoanemonin, while fully dried plant material is completely non-toxic

2

This species is severely toxic to birds, with ingestion of small amounts of fresh material potentially causing fatal reactions

3

Ingestion of fresh plant parts may trigger gastroenteritis, blood in urine, convulsions or paralysis in affected organisms

FAQ

Is Golden clematis toxic to Humans?

Suspected moderately toxic; ingestion may cause gastroenteritis, hematuria, convulsions and paralysis if sufficient fresh plant is consumed (Moderate)

Is Golden clematis toxic to Cats?

No explicit clinical data available; expected symptoms on ingestion include gastroenteritis, hematuria, potential convulsions and paralysis (Moderate)

Is Golden clematis toxic to Dogs?

No explicit clinical data available; expected symptoms on ingestion include gastroenteritis, hematuria, potential convulsions and paralysis (Moderate)

Is Golden clematis toxic to Horses?

No explicit clinical data available; expected symptoms on ingestion include gastroenteritis, hematuria, potential convulsions and paralysis (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans
Moderate

Suspected moderately toxic; ingestion may cause gastroenteritis, hematuria, convulsions and paralysis if sufficient fresh plant is consumed

Cats
Moderate

No explicit clinical data available; expected symptoms on ingestion include gastroenteritis, hematuria, potential convulsions and paralysis

Dogs
Moderate

No explicit clinical data available; expected symptoms on ingestion include gastroenteritis, hematuria, potential convulsions and paralysis

Horses
Moderate

No explicit clinical data available; expected symptoms on ingestion include gastroenteritis, hematuria, potential convulsions and paralysis

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll fresh parts of the plant; dried plant material is non-toxic
Exposure RouteIngestion of fresh plant material, dermal contact with sap from damaged fresh plant tissue
Toxic CompoundsProtoanemonin

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

  • • If ingested, induce vomiting only if the affected subject is fully conscious and not experiencing convulsions
  • • Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean cold water to remove remaining plant residue
  • • Do not administer any food or drink unless explicitly advised by a medical professional or veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

  • • If any symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, blood in urine, convulsions or paralysis develop after exposure
  • • If a large amount of fresh golden clematis is ingested, even if no symptoms are present initially
  • • If exposure occurs to high-risk species including birds, cats, dogs or horses

Prevention

  • • Do not plant golden clematis in areas accessible to pets, livestock or unsupervised children
  • • Wear protective gloves when handling or trimming fresh golden clematis plants to avoid sap contact
  • • Ensure livestock forage and hay is free of fresh golden clematis contamination

Treatment & Prognosis

  • • Perform decontamination procedures including activated charcoal administration to absorb residual toxins
  • • Provide symptomatic care including fluid therapy to manage dehydration from gastroenteritis and control hematuria
  • • Administer anticonvulsants if seizures occur, and provide supportive care for paralysis symptoms as required
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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameClematis tangutica (Maxim.) Korsh.
AliasesGoldwaldrebe (German)、Clématite tangutica (French)、Clematide tangutica (Italian)
Toxicity Grade
HumansModerate
CatsModerate
DogsModerate
HorsesModerate
Target Organs
Gastrointestinal tractUrinary tractNervous system
Mechanism of Action

• Protoanemonin released when fresh plant tissue is damaged causes direct irritation to gastrointestinal mucous membranes

• Systemic absorption of the toxin leads to urinary tract damage and nervous system impairment in severe cases

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Birds: Severely toxic; ingestion of even small amounts of fresh plant material can cause fatal poisoning, with symptoms including gastroenteritis, hematuria, convulsions and paralysis
Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Clematis species Clematis spp.
Most Clematis species contain similar levels of toxic protoanemonin and share overlapping morphological characteristics, making differentiation difficult without detailed botanical analysis
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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.

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