PlantFunLarkspur Toxic?
Toxicity is highest in young, immature larkspur plants and decreases as the plant matures.
Horses rarely consume toxic amounts of larkspur when adequate, suitable forage is available.
Severe exposure can lead to cardiac failure or fatal respiratory paralysis without prompt veterinary intervention.
FAQ
Is Larkspur toxic to Humans?
Limited documented data; large ingestion may cause oral irritation, gastrointestinal distress, muscle weakness, and neuromuscular impairment. (Moderate)
Is Larkspur toxic to Cats?
Increased salivation, gastrointestinal upset, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, and potential respiratory distress. (High)
Is Larkspur toxic to Dogs?
Constipation, colic, excessive salivation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, and possible convulsions in severe cases. (High)
Is Larkspur toxic to Horses?
Constipation, colic, increased salivation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, recumbency, convulsions, and potentially fatal cardiac or respiratory failure. (Severe)
Toxicity Details
Limited documented data; large ingestion may cause oral irritation, gastrointestinal distress, muscle weakness, and neuromuscular impairment.
Increased salivation, gastrointestinal upset, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, and potential respiratory distress.
Constipation, colic, excessive salivation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, and possible convulsions in severe cases.
Constipation, colic, increased salivation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, recumbency, convulsions, and potentially fatal cardiac or respiratory failure.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Immediately remove remaining plant material from the exposed animal's mouth and move them away from the larkspur source.
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a veterinarian or animal poison control specialist.
- • Collect a sample of the ingested plant to confirm identification for targeted treatment.
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of larkspur, even if no symptoms are yet visible.
- • Appearance of clinical signs including salivation, muscle tremors, colic, weakness, or convulsions.
- • Exposure in high-risk species including horses, cats, and dogs, regardless of estimated ingestion amount.
Prevention
- • Remove all larkspur plants from areas accessible to pets, livestock, and young children.
- • Ensure horses and other grazing livestock have consistent access to high-quality, adequate forage to reduce risk of toxic plant consumption.
- • Educate household members and farm staff on larkspur identification to avoid accidental exposure.
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Veterinary administration of activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed alkaloids in the gastrointestinal tract.
- • Supportive care including intravenous fluids, respiratory support, and anti-convulsant medication as clinically indicated.
- • Continuous monitoring of cardiac and respiratory function until all clinical signs fully resolve.
Professional Toxicology
• Diterpene alkaloids in the plant disrupt neuromuscular signal transmission, leading to widespread paralysis of voluntary and involuntary muscle groups.
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
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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.