PlantFunStavesacre Toxic?
All plant parts are toxic, with seeds containing the highest concentration of poisonous diterpenoid alkaloids
Cattle and horses are the most sensitive to poisoning, followed by sheep, with fatal cases reported
Untreated poisoning can lead to respiratory paralysis and death, so prompt medical/veterinary care is critical
FAQ
Is Stavesacre toxic to Humans?
No specific clinical reports exist, but ingestion may cause salivation, muscle weakness, tremors, paralysis, and potentially fatal respiratory distress (Severe)
Is Stavesacre toxic to Cats?
No species-specific toxicity data available; ingestion may trigger vomiting, salivation, muscle tremors, and weakness (Moderate)
Is Stavesacre toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific toxicity data available; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, muscle twitching, and neuromuscular impairment (Moderate)
Is Stavesacre toxic to Horses?
Restlessness, overexcitability, stiff gait, progressive muscle weakness leading to recumbency, salivation, vomiting, colic, muscle twitching, possible death from respiratory paralysis (Severe)
Toxicity Details
No specific clinical reports exist, but ingestion may cause salivation, muscle weakness, tremors, paralysis, and potentially fatal respiratory distress
No species-specific toxicity data available; ingestion may trigger vomiting, salivation, muscle tremors, and weakness
No species-specific toxicity data available; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, muscle twitching, and neuromuscular impairment
Restlessness, overexcitability, stiff gait, progressive muscle weakness leading to recumbency, salivation, vomiting, colic, muscle twitching, possible death from respiratory paralysis
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • If ingestion occurred within 2 hours and the affected individual is conscious, induce vomiting safely
- • Administer activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed toxic alkaloids in the gastrointestinal tract
- • Keep the affected individual calm and restrict all physical activity to avoid worsening symptoms
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of any part of the stavesacre plant
- • Presence of symptoms including muscle twitching, weakness, salivation, colic, or breathing difficulties
- • Exposure in livestock, pets, or young children
Prevention
- • Remove all stavesacre plants from pastures, yards, and areas accessible to pets, livestock, and children
- • Avoid harvesting or consuming any wild Delphinium species due to high and variable toxicity
- • Educate farm staff and pet owners on the visual characteristics and risks of stavesacre
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform gastrointestinal decontamination (emesis, activated charcoal, cathartics) as clinically indicated
- • Administer neostigmine as the targeted antidote for methyllycaconitin toxicity
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care, including respiratory support, colic management, and fluid therapy
- • House the patient in a quiet, low-stimulation environment throughout recovery
Professional Toxicology
• Polycyclic diterpenoid alkaloids disrupt neuromuscular signal transmission in the nervous system
• Alkaloid concentration is highest in immature plants, decreasing as the plant reaches full maturity
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
Related Toxic Plants
Download PlantFun App
Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!
Instant Plant ID
Take a photo to quickly identify plants.
Smart Care Reminders
Generate watering and care schedules.
Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis
Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.
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.