PlantFunCreeping Spiderwort Toxic?
All parts of the plant are toxic, and its sap can trigger cell-mediated contact dermatitis in dogs
The species is extremely toxic to birds, with calcium oxalate raphides as a core toxic compound
Ingestion may lead to serious effects including circulatory collapse, nitrate poisoning, and death in grazing livestock
FAQ
Is Creeping Spiderwort toxic to Humans?
No specific human symptom data recorded; may cause mild skin irritation on contact with plant sap as a precaution (Low)
Is Creeping Spiderwort toxic to Cats?
No confirmed feline toxicity data available; monitor for skin/gastrointestinal irritation if exposure occurs (Low)
Is Creeping Spiderwort toxic to Dogs?
Vesicopustular skin/mucous membrane lesions, itching, redness, swelling, exudation; possible acute circulatory collapse, vomiting, abdominal pain, apathy (Moderate)
Is Creeping Spiderwort toxic to Horses?
No confirmed equine toxicity data available; monitor for adverse reactions if ingested or contacted (Low)
Toxicity Details
No specific human symptom data recorded; may cause mild skin irritation on contact with plant sap as a precaution
No confirmed feline toxicity data available; monitor for skin/gastrointestinal irritation if exposure occurs
Vesicopustular skin/mucous membrane lesions, itching, redness, swelling, exudation; possible acute circulatory collapse, vomiting, abdominal pain, apathy
No confirmed equine toxicity data available; monitor for adverse reactions if ingested or contacted
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Wash affected skin immediately with mild soap and cool water if contact with plant sap occurs
- • Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove residual plant material if ingested
- • Monitor for swelling, irritation, vomiting, or lethargy for the first 2 hours post-exposure
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Appearance of blistering, severe swelling, or exudation on skin or mucous membranes
- • Development of vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, or breathing difficulty post-ingestion
- • Exposure in birds, as the plant poses severe toxic risk to avian species
Prevention
- • Avoid growing this plant in areas accessible to pets, livestock, and pet birds
- • Wear protective gloves when handling the plant to avoid contact with irritant sap
- • Inspect grazing pastures regularly to remove this and related toxic Commelinaceae species
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care aligned with observed symptoms
- • For methaemoglobinaemia cases, administer 1% methylene blue solution (9mg/kg slow IV for cattle, repeat after 30 minutes if required)
- • Administer vitamin C: initial 20mg/kg IV, followed by 30mg/kg orally 3 times per day
Professional Toxicology
• Calcium oxalate raphides irritate skin and mucous membranes on direct contact
• Nitrate content causes nitrate poisoning and methaemoglobinaemia in grazing livestock
• Sap components trigger cell-mediated immune response leading to contact dermatitis in dogs
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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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.