PlantFunField bindweed Toxic?
All parts of the plant are toxic, containing tropane and pyrrolidine alkaloid compounds including calystegines
Ingestion causes progressive weight loss and recurrent colic in horses, and fatal symptoms in small mammals if consumed exclusively
Easily confused with other Convolvulus species and Calystegia sepium (hedge bindweed) due to similar morphology
FAQ
Is Field bindweed toxic to Humans?
No formal human toxicity data is documented, but alkaloid content may cause gastrointestinal distress, dizziness, or nausea if large volumes are ingested (Unknown)
Is Field bindweed toxic to Cats?
Toxicity data not formally documented; monitor for lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or abnormal behavior if ingestion is suspected (Unknown)
Is Field bindweed toxic to Dogs?
Toxicity data not formally documented; monitor for abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy if ingestion is suspected (Unknown)
Is Field bindweed toxic to Horses?
Progressive weight loss, recurrent colic; rectal palpation or laparotomy reveals significantly thickened small intestinal wall (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
No formal human toxicity data is documented, but alkaloid content may cause gastrointestinal distress, dizziness, or nausea if large volumes are ingested
Toxicity data not formally documented; monitor for lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or abnormal behavior if ingestion is suspected
Toxicity data not formally documented; monitor for abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy if ingestion is suspected
Progressive weight loss, recurrent colic; rectal palpation or laparotomy reveals significantly thickened small intestinal wall
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove any remaining plant material from the affected animal's mouth and surrounding area immediately
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a veterinarian or poison control professional
- • Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification to guide targeted treatment
Contact Vet Immediately
- • If a horse or small pet has ingested large quantities of field bindweed
- • If any symptoms such as lethargy, anorexia, abdominal pain, or colic appear after suspected exposure
- • If the exposed animal is young, elderly, or immunocompromised
Prevention
- • Eradicate field bindweed growth from pastures, pet play areas, and forage supplies to avoid accidental ingestion
- • Train livestock handlers and pet owners to identify field bindweed and distinguish it from non-toxic similar species
- • Provide consistent, high-quality feed to livestock to reduce the risk of them consuming toxic weeds out of hunger
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer supportive care including fluid therapy and nutritional support for animals showing weight loss or anorexia
- • Provide veterinarian-directed pain management for colic and gastrointestinal discomfort in affected horses
- • Monitor intestinal function and organ health closely to detect and address complications early
Professional Toxicology
• Tropane and pyrrolidine alkaloids disrupt normal neurotransmitter activity in the nervous system
• Calystegines accumulate in intestinal tissue, causing thickening of the small intestinal wall and impaired digestive function in horses
• Prolonged high-quantity ingestion causes metabolic disruption leading to weight loss, anorexia, and potential organ damage
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
Related Toxic Plants
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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.