Hoary willowherb Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 4,452 found this helpful

Epilobium parviflorum Schreb.

Epilobium parviflorum is a non-toxic species with no recorded toxic effects in humans or common domestic animals

While non-poisonous, the plant is not recommended for use as feed for pets or grazing livestock

There is high risk of confusing this species with the highly toxic Agrostemma githago (common corncockle)

FAQ

Is Hoary willowherb toxic to Humans?

No known toxic symptoms from small accidental ingestion; very large intake may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort (Non-toxic)

Is Hoary willowherb toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild digestive upset is possible if large quantities are consumed (Non-toxic)

Is Hoary willowherb toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild digestive upset is possible if large quantities are consumed (Non-toxic)

Is Hoary willowherb toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild digestive upset is possible if large quantities are consumed (Non-toxic)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms from small accidental ingestion; very large intake may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild digestive upset is possible if large quantities are consumed

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild digestive upset is possible if large quantities are consumed

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild digestive upset is possible if large quantities are consumed

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo plant parts are toxic; the entire plant is not suitable for use as animal feed

Exposure RouteIngestion is the only relevant exposure route for potential mild adverse effects

Toxic Compounds

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed person or animal if ingestion is recent
• Offer small sips of clean water to rinse the mouth and throat if the exposed individual is conscious and alert
• Monitor for signs of digestive discomfort such as bloating, loose stools, or vomiting for 2-4 hours post-exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet or horse displays persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after ingesting large amounts of the plant
• If you cannot confirm the ingested plant is Hoary willowherb and suspect it may be the toxic lookalike common corncockle
• If your animal has pre-existing chronic digestive conditions and ingested any quantity of the plant

Prevention

• Learn to distinguish Hoary willowherb from its highly toxic lookalike common corncockle to avoid accidental toxic exposure
• Do not harvest Hoary willowherb as feed for livestock or companion animals
• Remove confirmed toxic lookalike plants from areas accessible to pets and grazing livestock

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care only, including management of mild digestive symptoms if they occur
• If exposure to the toxic lookalike Agrostemma githago is confirmed, follow targeted treatment protocols for that species
• No specific antidote is required for Hoary willowherb ingestion as it is non-toxic

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameEpilobium parviflorum Schreb.

AliasesSmallflower hairy willowherb、Kleinblütiges Weidenröschen、Epilobe à petites fleurs、Garofanino minore

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are at known risk of damage from ingestion of small to moderate amounts of this plant

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanisms have been identified for this plant, as it is classified as non-toxic

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, goats: No toxic effects reported, but consumption is not recommended as the plant has no nutritional value for ruminants

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No confirmed toxicity recorded; large intake may cause mild, temporary digestive upset

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Epilobium species Epilobium spp.

Visually similar to Hoary willowherb; all other Epilobium species are also non-toxic, so misidentification poses no poisoning risk

Common corncockle Agrostemma githago L.

Visually similar to Hoary willowherb; key difference is common corncockle has bright pink-purple flowers with darker central markings, and it is highly toxic to all species

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Purple loosestrife

Lythrum salicaria

Low toxicity

Common myrtle

Myrtus communis

Low to moderate toxicity

Pomegranate (bark/leaves/unripe fruit)

Punica granatum

Low toxicity

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

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.

View Full Plant Wiki