Willow Herb Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 1,627 found this helpful

Willow Herb is confirmed non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA, with no identified toxic principles.

Despite being non-toxic, this plant is not appropriate to use as feed for companion animals or livestock.

It carries a high confusion risk with the highly toxic Agrostemma githago, which causes severe harm if ingested.

FAQ

Is Willow Herb toxic to Humans?

No expected toxic symptoms from casual exposure; mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset may occur with overconsumption. (Non-toxic)

Is Willow Herb toxic to Cats?

No documented toxic symptoms; mild, short-term digestive discomfort is possible if very large quantities are eaten. (Non-toxic)

Is Willow Herb toxic to Dogs?

No documented toxic symptoms; mild, short-term digestive discomfort is possible if very large quantities are eaten. (Non-toxic)

Is Willow Herb toxic to Horses?

No documented toxic symptoms; mild, short-term digestive discomfort is possible if very large quantities are eaten. (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No expected toxic symptoms from casual exposure; mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset may occur with overconsumption.

Cats

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms; mild, short-term digestive discomfort is possible if very large quantities are eaten.

Dogs

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms; mild, short-term digestive discomfort is possible if very large quantities are eaten.

Horses

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms; mild, short-term digestive discomfort is possible if very large quantities are eaten.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts; the entire plant is non-toxic but not suitable for use as animal feed.

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is accidental ingestion; skin contact does not trigger toxic reactions.

Toxic CompoundsNo identified toxic principles, classified as non-toxic by the ASPCA

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water if small amounts are ingested, and monitor for unusual discomfort.
• Offer small sips of fresh water if large quantities are consumed to reduce risk of mild digestive irritation.
• Remove remaining plant material from access to children and pets to prevent further consumption.

Contact Vet Immediately

• Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy develops in pets after ingestion of large quantities of the plant.
• Ingestion of the visually similar toxic lookalike Agrostemma githago is suspected.
• Any severe or unusual symptoms appear within 24 hours of exposure to the plant.

Prevention

• Learn to distinguish Willow Herb from highly toxic Agrostemma githago to avoid accidental ingestion of the lookalike.
• Do not harvest or feed Willow Herb to companion animals or livestock, as it is not suitable for fodder.
• Remove confirmed toxic lookalike plants from areas accessible to pets, children, and grazing livestock.

Treatment & Prognosis

• No specific treatment is required for minor exposure; provide symptomatic care for mild gastrointestinal upset if needed.
• Seek immediate emergency medical/veterinary care if ingestion of toxic Agrostemma githago is confirmed.
• Administer supportive care including fluid therapy and gastrointestinal protectants if severe digestive symptoms occur.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameEpilobium angustifolium

AliasesBlooming Sally、Fire Weed

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific organs are at risk of toxic damage from exposure to this plant

Mechanism of Action

• No identified toxic mechanisms, as the plant is classified as non-toxic by leading animal health authorities

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Non-toxic, but not suitable for regular feed; no documented toxic effects from accidental ingestion

Sheep: Non-toxic, but not suitable for regular feed; no documented toxic effects from accidental ingestion

Goats: Non-toxic, but not suitable for regular feed; no documented toxic effects from accidental ingestion

Rabbits: Non-toxic, but not suitable for regular feed; no documented toxic effects from accidental ingestion

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Epilobium species Epilobium spp.

Other members of the Epilobium genus are visually similar to Epilobium angustifolium; all are non-toxic, with no difference in toxicity risk.

Common corncockle Agrostemma githago L.

Highly visually similar to Willow Herb; key difference is common corncockle has bright pink-purple flowers with long pointed sepals extending past petals, and is highly toxic if ingested.

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Related Toxic Plants

Water primrose

Ludwigia hexapetala

Moderately toxic; causes gastrointestinal irritation in livestock and pets if ingested in large quantities

Enchanter's nightshade

Circaea lutetiana

Low toxicity; triggers mild gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation on contact

Purple loosestrife

Lythrum salicaria

Low to moderate toxicity; causes digestive distress and photosensitization in grazing livestock

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

2. 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.