Small yellow foxglove Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,737 found this helpful

Digitalis lutea L.

All parts of the plant are toxic, and toxins are not inactivated by drying, storage, or cooking

It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause fatal heart arrhythmia even in small doses

Birds face severe poisoning risk, alongside humans, cats, dogs, and horses

FAQ

Is Small yellow foxglove toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, bloody watery diarrhea, dyspnea, drowsiness, initial bradycardia, followed by loud heart sounds, cardiac arrhythmia, unsteadiness, tremors, convulsions, and potentially fatal heart arrest (Severe)

Is Small yellow foxglove toxic to Cats?

Same general toxicity symptoms as humans, can progress rapidly to fatal cardiac arrest if left untreated (Severe)

Is Small yellow foxglove toxic to Dogs?

Same general toxicity symptoms as humans, can progress rapidly to fatal cardiac arrest if left untreated (Severe)

Is Small yellow foxglove toxic to Horses?

Same general toxicity symptoms as humans, can progress rapidly to fatal cardiac arrest if left untreated (Severe)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Severe

Vomiting, bloody watery diarrhea, dyspnea, drowsiness, initial bradycardia, followed by loud heart sounds, cardiac arrhythmia, unsteadiness, tremors, convulsions, and potentially fatal heart arrest

Cats

Severe

Same general toxicity symptoms as humans, can progress rapidly to fatal cardiac arrest if left untreated

Dogs

Severe

Same general toxicity symptoms as humans, can progress rapidly to fatal cardiac arrest if left untreated

Horses

Severe

Same general toxicity symptoms as humans, can progress rapidly to fatal cardiac arrest if left untreated

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll parts of the plant

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; skin contact with plant sap may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsCardiac glycosides (Purpureaglycoside A, Purpureaglycoside B); Digitoxin; Gitoxin; Digitoxigenin; Gitoxigenin; Digitonin; Gitonin; Tannins; Flavone derivatives

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting only if ingestion occurred within 2 hours and the affected individual is fully conscious
• Administer activated charcoal to absorb unprocessed toxins in the gastrointestinal tract
• Move the individual to a quiet, low-stress area to avoid worsening cardiac strain

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of any part of the plant, even if no symptoms are visible
• Appearance of symptoms like vomiting, slow heart rate, unsteadiness, or tremors after exposure
• Known access to the plant by children, pets, or grazing livestock

Prevention

• Avoid planting this species in areas accessible to children, pets, or grazing livestock
• Wear protective gloves when handling the plant to avoid contact with toxic sap
• Learn to correctly identify Digitalis species to avoid accidental ingestion while foraging

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform gastrointestinal decontamination (emesis, activated charcoal, cathartics) as appropriate for exposure timeline
• Administer atropine to treat bradycardia and bradycardic arrhythmias; do not administer calcium supplements
• Provide continuous cardiac monitoring and supportive care until all symptoms fully resolve

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameDigitalis lutea L.

AliasesStraw foxglove

Toxicity Grade

HumansSevere

CatsSevere

DogsSevere

HorsesSevere

Target Organs

HeartGastrointestinal tractNervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Cardiac glycosides inhibit Na+/K+-ATPase in cardiac cells, disrupting normal heart rhythm and function

• Toxins irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing vomiting and diarrhea

• Neurological symptoms arise from reduced oxygen delivery and direct toxic effects on nerve tissue

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Birds: Severe toxicity; ingestion of even small amounts can lead to rapid fatal heart arrest

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common purple foxglove Digitalis purpurea L.

Both are Digitalis species with characteristic tubular flower spikes; they are easily confused if only foliage is observed, though Common purple foxglove has pink/purple flowers instead of pale yellow

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Related Toxic Plants

Common purple foxglove

Digitalis purpurea L.

Severe toxicity

Woolly foxglove

Digitalis lanata Ehrh.

Severe toxicity

Large yellow foxglove

Digitalis grandiflora Mill.

Severe 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.

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