Clematis Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,969 found this helpful
Clematis-Hybride
1

All fresh Clematis hybrid plant parts contain toxic protoanemonin, while dried plant material is completely non-toxic.

2

The plant is severely toxic to birds, and ingestion can lead to life-threatening adverse effects.

3

Ingestion of fresh plant tissue may cause gastroenteritis, blood in urine, seizures, or paralysis in affected organisms.

FAQ

Is Clematis toxic to Humans?

Limited species-specific data available; potential symptoms include gastrointestinal irritation, hematuria, cramps, and paralysis after ingestion of large amounts of fresh plant material. (Moderate)

Is Clematis toxic to Cats?

Species-specific toxicity data not explicitly documented; ingestion may potentially cause gastrointestinal distress, blood in urine, and neurological symptoms. (Moderate)

Is Clematis toxic to Dogs?

Species-specific toxicity data not explicitly documented; ingestion may potentially cause gastrointestinal distress, blood in urine, and neurological symptoms. (Moderate)

Is Clematis toxic to Horses?

Species-specific toxicity data not explicitly documented; ingestion may potentially cause gastrointestinal distress, blood in urine, and neurological symptoms. (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans
Moderate

Limited species-specific data available; potential symptoms include gastrointestinal irritation, hematuria, cramps, and paralysis after ingestion of large amounts of fresh plant material.

Cats
Moderate

Species-specific toxicity data not explicitly documented; ingestion may potentially cause gastrointestinal distress, blood in urine, and neurological symptoms.

Dogs
Moderate

Species-specific toxicity data not explicitly documented; ingestion may potentially cause gastrointestinal distress, blood in urine, and neurological symptoms.

Horses
Moderate

Species-specific toxicity data not explicitly documented; ingestion may potentially cause gastrointestinal distress, blood in urine, and neurological symptoms.

Toxicity Snapshot

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

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

  • • Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water immediately after ingestion to remove residual plant material.
  • • Wash affected areas with mild soap and running water for 10-15 minutes if exposed to fresh plant sap.
  • • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a medical professional or veterinarian.

Contact Vet Immediately

  • • Any amount of fresh Clematis is ingested by children, pets, or livestock.
  • • Symptoms including vomiting, blood in urine, seizures, or paralysis appear after exposure.
  • • Persistent skin or mucous membrane irritation occurs after contact with fresh plant sap.

Prevention

  • • Keep fresh Clematis plants out of reach of children, pets, and livestock.
  • • Never feed fresh Clematis clippings to any animals, especially birds.
  • • Clearly label Clematis plants in home and public gardens to avoid accidental ingestion.

Treatment & Prognosis

  • • Administer decontamination measures such as activated charcoal for recent ingestion as directed by a professional.
  • • Provide targeted symptomatic supportive care including fluid therapy for dehydration and anticonvulsants for seizures.
  • • Monitor vital signs and organ function until all presented symptoms fully resolve.
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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameClematis-Hybride
AliasesLarge-flowered Clematis、Clématite、Clematide
Toxicity Grade
HumansModerate
CatsModerate
DogsModerate
HorsesModerate
Target Organs
Gastrointestinal tractKidneysNervous system
Mechanism of Action

• Protoanemonin is released when fresh plant tissue is damaged, causing irritation to mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract, and potential nervous system damage in severe cases.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Birds: Severe, life-threatening toxicity; ingestion of even small amounts can cause fatal adverse effects
Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Clematis species Clematis spp.
Most Clematis species have highly similar morphological features and are easily mistaken for hybrid Clematis; nearly all Clematis species contain the same toxic protoanemonin compound.
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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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