Old man's beard Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 1,273 found this helpful

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

The plant is severely toxic to birds, and causes gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms in affected species

Post-exposure treatment relies on decontamination and targeted symptomatic supportive care

FAQ

Is Old man's beard toxic to Humans?

Gastroenteritis, hematuria, possible cramps and paralysis (Moderate)

Is Old man's beard toxic to Cats?

Gastroenteritis, hematuria, possible cramps and paralysis (limited clinical data available) (Moderate)

Is Old man's beard toxic to Dogs?

Gastroenteritis, hematuria, possible cramps and paralysis (limited clinical data available) (Moderate)

Is Old man's beard toxic to Horses?

Gastroenteritis, hematuria, possible cramps and paralysis (limited clinical data available) (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Gastroenteritis, hematuria, possible cramps and paralysis

Cats

Moderate

Gastroenteritis, hematuria, possible cramps and paralysis (limited clinical data available)

Dogs

Moderate

Gastroenteritis, hematuria, possible cramps and paralysis (limited clinical data available)

Horses

Moderate

Gastroenteritis, hematuria, possible cramps and paralysis (limited clinical data available)

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll fresh parts of the entire plant; fully dried plant material is non-toxic

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

Toxic CompoundsProtoanemonin

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting only if the exposed individual is fully conscious and not experiencing seizures/paralysis
• Rinse exposed mouth, skin, or eyes with clean cool water immediately after contact
• Collect a sample of the plant for formal identification to guide subsequent care

Contact Vet Immediately

• Ingestion of more than a small bite of fresh plant material is confirmed
• Any symptoms including vomiting, blood in urine, cramping, or muscle weakness develop
• Exposure involves birds, as they face extremely high risk of fatal severe toxicity

Prevention

• Remove plants from areas accessible to pets, livestock, and young children
• Do not feed fresh clippings of this plant to any animal species
• Verify hay and forage supplies are fully dried to eliminate active protoanemonin content

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer gastrointestinal decontamination (emesis, activated charcoal) appropriate for the exposure timeline
• Provide symptomatic support including fluid therapy, pain management, and seizure control if neurological symptoms appear
• Monitor renal and gastrointestinal function for 24-48 hours post-exposure to catch delayed adverse effects

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameClematis vitalba L.

AliasesTraveller's joy、Gemeine Waldrebe、Gewöhnliche Waldrebe、Echte Waldrebe、Clématite blanche、Clématite des haies、Clématite vigne-blanche、Aubavis、Bois à fumer、Bois de pipe、Clematide vitalba、Viorna

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractKidneysNervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Protoanemonin irritates mucosal membranes on contact, and causes systemic toxicity that damages the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and nervous system after ingestion of fresh plant material

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Birds: Severely toxic (+++), ingestion of even small amounts of fresh plant material can cause rapid fatal toxicity

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Clematis species Clematis spp.

Most Clematis species share similar foliage and growth morphology, and many also contain toxic protoanemonin; differentiation requires close inspection of flower and seed head traits

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Related Toxic Plants

Monkshood

Aconitum napellus

Severe (extremely toxic)

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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.