Rattlebox Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 4,227 found this helpful

Crotalaria albida

Rattlebox contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids confirmed to cause harm in horses

Horse toxicity only occurs after ingestion of large quantities or long-term regular exposure

Toxicity risks for cats and dogs are currently unconfirmed by available clinical data

FAQ

Is Rattlebox toxic to Humans?

No confirmed clinical toxicity data is available for human exposure to this plant (Unknown)

Is Rattlebox toxic to Cats?

Toxicity status is unknown, no documented poisoning cases have been reported (Unknown)

Is Rattlebox toxic to Dogs?

Toxicity status is unknown, no documented poisoning cases have been reported (Unknown)

Is Rattlebox toxic to Horses?

Liver disease, which only develops after ingestion of large amounts or consistent long-term exposure (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Unknown

No confirmed clinical toxicity data is available for human exposure to this plant

Cats

Unknown

Toxicity status is unknown, no documented poisoning cases have been reported

Dogs

Unknown

Toxicity status is unknown, no documented poisoning cases have been reported

Horses

Moderate

Liver disease, which only develops after ingestion of large amounts or consistent long-term exposure

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts, particularly seeds and foliage, are confirmed to contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Exposure RouteIngestion is the only confirmed exposure route leading to adverse toxic effects

Toxic CompoundsPyrrolizidine alkaloids

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove all remaining Rattlebox plant material from the exposed animal's environment
• Collect a sample of the suspected ingested plant for professional identification
• Monitor horses for early signs of illness including lethargy, reduced appetite, or jaundice

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your horse has ingested known large quantities of Rattlebox
• Your horse displays signs of jaundice, lethargy, or appetite loss after potential exposure
• You suspect long-term regular Rattlebox exposure in your horse's grazing area

Prevention

• Regularly inspect horse grazing pastures for Rattlebox growth and remove all identified plants
• Ensure all horse feed supplies are free of Rattlebox seed or plant material contamination
• Restrict horse access to areas with known heavy Rattlebox infestations

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarian-supervised decontamination (e.g. activated charcoal) for recent large ingestions
• Supportive care to protect and support liver function, including dietary modifications
• Long-term monitoring of liver enzyme levels to assess extent of liver damage

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCrotalaria albida

AliasesPale Rattlebox、White Rattlebox

Toxicity Grade

HumansUnknown

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Liver

Mechanism of Action

• Toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids are metabolized in the liver, producing reactive metabolites that damage liver cells over time

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cat: Toxicity status is unconfirmed, no reported poisoning cases in the available clinical data

Dog: Toxicity status is unconfirmed, no reported poisoning cases in the available clinical data

Cattle: Suspected to be at risk of liver damage from pyrrolizidine alkaloid exposure, similar to horses

Sheep: Lower susceptibility to pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity than horses, but long-term exposure may still cause liver injury

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Arrowhead Rattlebox Crotalaria sagittalis

Shares similar small yellow flowers and rattle-like seed pods; key difference is arrow-shaped lower leaves on C. sagittalis, compared to oblong pale leaves on C. albida

Showy Rattlebox Crotalaria spectabilis

Has matching yellow flowers and rattle pods; key difference is much taller growth habit and larger broader leaves than C. albida

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Related Toxic Plants

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

High toxicity to horses, livestock, and humans

Jequirity Bean

Abrus precatorius

Severe toxicity to all animal species and humans

Lupine

Lupinus spp.

Moderate to high toxicity to horses, livestock, and dogs

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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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