Tickseed Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,827 found this helpful

Coreopsis californica

Coreopsis californica is verified non-toxic to common domestic animals including cats, dogs, and horses.

No serious adverse effects are recorded from accidental ingestion or surface contact with this plant for most species.

Excessive consumption may only trigger mild, short-term gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals or pets.

FAQ

Is Tickseed toxic to Humans?

Only mild temporary digestive upset reported in cases of extreme overconsumption; no severe toxic symptoms documented. (Non-toxic)

Is Tickseed toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxic symptoms; mild loose stools may occur only if very large quantities of the plant are ingested. (Non-toxic)

Is Tickseed toxic to Dogs?

No verified toxic effects; mild transient digestive discomfort is possible with excessive intake of plant material. (Non-toxic)

Is Tickseed toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxic reactions; rare mild gastrointestinal irritation may occur after consumption of very large volumes. (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

Only mild temporary digestive upset reported in cases of extreme overconsumption; no severe toxic symptoms documented.

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms; mild loose stools may occur only if very large quantities of the plant are ingested.

Dogs

Non-toxic

No verified toxic effects; mild transient digestive discomfort is possible with excessive intake of plant material.

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic reactions; rare mild gastrointestinal irritation may occur after consumption of very large volumes.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo plant parts are confirmed toxic; all above-ground and root tissues are low-risk for routine exposure.

Exposure RouteAccidental ingestion, direct skin contact; no confirmed adverse reactions associated with either route for most individuals.

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic constituent compounds have been isolated from this species in standard toxicology assessments

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse the mouth of the exposed person or pet to remove remaining plant debris
• Monitor for 1 to 2 hours for signs of mild gastrointestinal discomfort
• Offer small amounts of fresh water to reduce potential mild throat or stomach irritation

Contact Vet Immediately

• Vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours after exposure
• Signs of allergic reaction (hives, swelling, breathing difficulty) develop post-exposure
• Lethargy or refusal to eat/drink continues for several hours after plant ingestion

Prevention

• Keep potted Tickseed away from young pets prone to excessive chewing of all household plants
• Avoid intentionally feeding large quantities of the plant to domestic animals as a precaution
• Confirm full plant identification before allowing pets to graze in areas with mixed wild vegetation

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care including rest and hydration for mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they occur
• Antihistamines may be administered under medical guidance for rare allergic reactions
• No targeted antidote is required, as no severe toxic effects are linked to this species

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCoreopsis californica

Aliasescoreopsis

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific organs are targeted by toxic compounds from this plant

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic physiological mechanism identified, as the plant does not produce compounds that cause harmful reactions in most species

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, goats: No confirmed toxicity; excessive intake may cause mild temporary rumen discomfort

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Considered safe for consumption as a minor component of a varied forage diet

Pet and wild birds: No reported toxic effects from ingestion of the plant's seeds or soft tissues

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris

Visually similar due to shared bright yellow daisy-like flowers; key difference is Ragwort has deeply lobed, ruffled leaves while Tickseed has narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Ragwort is highly toxic to livestock.

Canada Goldenrod Solidago canadensis

Similar clustered yellow bloom structure; Goldenrod forms plume-like flower clusters and has far narrower, elongated leaves compared to Tickseed, and has low associated toxicity risks.

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Ragwort

Jacobaea vulgaris

Severe toxicity, fatal to horses and livestock with repeated consumption

Giant Hogweed

Heracleum mantegazzianum

High toxicity, causes severe blistering phytophotodermatitis in humans and animals

Garden Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum spp.

Low to Moderate toxicity, triggers gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in cats, dogs, and humans

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

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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