Broom Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 1,390 found this helpful

Whole plant is toxic, with highest alkaloid content shortly before flowering, fruits and seeds carry the highest poisoning risk.

Main toxic compound is sparteine, which converts to lupanin and its hydroxylated derivatives as seeds mature.

Ingestion may cause severe neurological disorders, paralysis and death from respiratory failure in livestock such as sheep and cattle.

FAQ

Is Broom toxic to Humans?

Gastrointestinal discomfort, neural excitation, paralysis, possible respiratory failure in severe cases (Moderate)

Is Broom toxic to Cats?

Specific symptom data not recorded, may exhibit similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms as other mammals after ingestion (Low)

Is Broom toxic to Dogs?

Specific symptom data not recorded, may exhibit similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms as other mammals after ingestion (Low)

Is Broom toxic to Horses?

Specific symptom data not recorded, may exhibit similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms as other mammals after ingestion (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Gastrointestinal discomfort, neural excitation, paralysis, possible respiratory failure in severe cases

Cats

Low

Specific symptom data not recorded, may exhibit similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms as other mammals after ingestion

Dogs

Low

Specific symptom data not recorded, may exhibit similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms as other mammals after ingestion

Horses

Low

Specific symptom data not recorded, may exhibit similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms as other mammals after ingestion

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant, especially fruits and seeds; small amounts are tolerable for sheep and wild animals

Exposure RouteIngestion (consuming any part of the plant, especially unripe or ripe seeds)

Toxic CompoundsSparteine; 17-Oxosparteine; 11,12-Dehydrospartein; Genistein; Lupanin; 13α-Hydroxylupanin; 3β,13α-Dihydroxylupanin; Tyramine

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting if ingestion occurred within 1 hour and the subject is fully conscious
• Administer activated charcoal to reduce toxin absorption if available
• Collect residual plant samples for accurate identification to support follow-up treatment

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of the plant by pets (cats, dogs) or horses
• Appearance of symptoms like tremor, excessive salivation, breathing difficulties or movement disorder after exposure
• Confirmation of consumption of large amounts of the plant by grazing livestock

Prevention

• Do not plant Broom in areas accessible to children, pets or grazing livestock
• Remove wild Broom from pastures before flowering when its alkaloid content reaches the peak
• Educate farmers and pet owners to identify this plant to avoid accidental ingestion

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform gastrointestinal decontamination including gastric lavage to remove unabsorbed toxins
• Provide symptomatic supportive care, including respiratory support if paralysis of respiratory muscles occurs
• Continuously monitor neurological signs and vital signs until symptoms completely subside

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCytisus scoparius (L.) Link

AliasesSarothamnus scoparius Koch.、Spartium scoparius L.、Genista scoparia (L.) Lam.

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractNervous systemRespiratory system

Mechanism of Action

• Quinolizidine alkaloids (especially sparteine) act on the central nervous system, causing excitation first then progressive paralysis

• Toxins inhibit the respiratory center, leading to respiratory failure in severe poisoning cases

• Alkaloids irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing digestive system related adverse symptoms

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Sheep: Forced breathing, somnolence, followed by coma and death within 1 to several days; may also show agitation, aimless wandering, head pressing, tremor, convulsions, final death from respiratory paralysis

Cattle: Excessive foamy salivation, teeth grinding at early stage, followed by ataxia, muscle weakness, lateral recumbency, possible death from respiratory paralysis in severe cases

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

True Broom species Genista spp.

Both belong to the Fabaceae family and have similar bright yellow flower morphology; Genista species usually have smaller leaf sizes and different alkaloid composition compared to Cytisus scoparius.

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Related Toxic Plants

Lupine

Lupinus spp.

Moderate to High toxicity

Golden Chain

Laburnum anagyroides

High toxicity

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Moderate toxicity

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.