PlantFunWoolly foxglove Toxic?
All parts of the plant are highly toxic, and toxins remain active after drying, storage, or cooking
Toxic effects are driven by cardiac glycosides that disrupt normal heart rhythm and function
Ingestion of even small amounts can lead to fatal cardiac arrest without prompt medical treatment
FAQ
Is Woolly foxglove toxic to Humans?
Vomiting, bloody watery diarrhea, shortness of breath, drowsiness, initial slow heart rate, subsequent loud heart sounds, arrhythmia, unsteadiness, tremors, convulsions, and potential fatal cardiac arrest (Severe)
Is Woolly foxglove toxic to Cats?
Vomiting, decreased appetite, slow or irregular heart rate, difficulty breathing, weakness, tremors, seizures, and potential fatal cardiac arrest if ingested (Severe)
Is Woolly foxglove toxic to Dogs?
Vomiting, decreased appetite, slow or irregular heart rate, difficulty breathing, weakness, tremors, seizures, and potential fatal cardiac arrest if ingested (Severe)
Is Woolly foxglove toxic to Horses?
Vomiting, decreased appetite, slow or irregular heart rate, difficulty breathing, weakness, tremors, seizures, and potential fatal cardiac arrest if ingested (Severe)
Toxicity Details
Vomiting, bloody watery diarrhea, shortness of breath, drowsiness, initial slow heart rate, subsequent loud heart sounds, arrhythmia, unsteadiness, tremors, convulsions, and potential fatal cardiac arrest
Vomiting, decreased appetite, slow or irregular heart rate, difficulty breathing, weakness, tremors, seizures, and potential fatal cardiac arrest if ingested
Vomiting, decreased appetite, slow or irregular heart rate, difficulty breathing, weakness, tremors, seizures, and potential fatal cardiac arrest if ingested
Vomiting, decreased appetite, slow or irregular heart rate, difficulty breathing, weakness, tremors, seizures, and potential fatal cardiac arrest if ingested
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • If ingested and the affected individual is conscious, induce vomiting immediately to remove unabsorbed plant material
- • Keep the patient calm and rested to minimize cardiac strain, and do not administer any calcium-containing products
- • Contact emergency medical services or a veterinarian immediately for further guidance
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of any part of Woolly foxglove, even in very small quantities
- • Observation of symptoms including vomiting, slow heart rate, unsteadiness, or difficulty breathing after exposure
- • Signs of tremors, convulsions, or abnormal heart rhythm in pets or grazing livestock
Prevention
- • Avoid planting Woolly foxglove in areas accessible to children, pets, or grazing livestock
- • Wear protective gloves when handling the plant to avoid contact with toxic sap
- • Clearly label all Digitalis species plants grown for ornamental or research use to prevent accidental ingestion
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer activated charcoal to reduce further absorption of toxic cardiac glycosides
- • Administer atropine to treat bradycardia and bradycardic arrhythmias as prescribed by a clinician
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care with continuous cardiac monitoring until toxin levels are reduced
Professional Toxicology
• Cardiac glycosides in the plant inhibit the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in cardiac muscle cells
• This alters electrical conduction in the heart, leading to slowed heart rate, irregular rhythm, and eventual cardiac arrest in severe cases
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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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.