Wormseed Mustard Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,112 found this helpful

Erysimum cheiranthoides

Confirmed toxic to horses, while toxicity status for cats and dogs remains unconfirmed by leading animal health authorities

Its primary identified toxic principle is isothiocyanates, per ASPCA research

Equine exposure causes clinical signs including gastrointestinal irritation and colic

FAQ

Is Wormseed Mustard toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity data available; large ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort (Unknown)

Is Wormseed Mustard toxic to Cats?

Toxicity status unknown; no confirmed clinical symptoms have been formally reported to date (Unknown)

Is Wormseed Mustard toxic to Dogs?

Toxicity status unknown; no confirmed clinical symptoms have been formally reported to date (Unknown)

Is Wormseed Mustard toxic to Horses?

Gastrointestinal irritation, colic, as documented by the ASPCA (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Unknown

No confirmed human toxicity data available; large ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort

Cats

Unknown

Toxicity status unknown; no confirmed clinical symptoms have been formally reported to date

Dogs

Unknown

Toxicity status unknown; no confirmed clinical symptoms have been formally reported to date

Horses

Moderate

Gastrointestinal irritation, colic, as documented by the ASPCA

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts, particularly seeds and mature above-ground foliage, contain toxic compounds

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion; dermal contact may cause minor irritation in sensitive individuals or animals

Toxic CompoundsIsothiocyanates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove all remaining plant material from the exposed animal's access and mouth if ingestion is recent
• Do not induce vomiting or administer home remedies unless explicitly instructed by a licensed veterinarian
• Monitor the animal closely for early signs of abdominal pain, drooling or appetite loss

Contact Vet Immediately

• A horse has ingested any quantity of Wormseed Mustard
• Signs of colic, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort or vomiting are observed post exposure
• A cat or dog has ingested a large unknown quantity of the plant for precautionary evaluation

Prevention

• Eradicate Wormseed Mustard growth from horse pastures, grazing areas and pet-accessible yards
• Inspect hay, forage and feed supplies regularly to ensure no contamination with this plant
• Train animal owners and farm staff to correctly identify this plant to avoid accidental exposure

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinary supportive care including intravenous fluid therapy to correct electrolyte imbalances from gastrointestinal irritation
• Prescribed anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication to manage colic pain and reduce mucosal inflammation
• Symptomatic monitoring and care to prevent secondary gastrointestinal complications such as ulceration

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameErysimum cheiranthoides

AliasesTreacle Mustard、Wormseed Wallflower

Toxicity Grade

HumansUnknown

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractGastric mucosaIntestinal lining

Mechanism of Action

• Isothiocyanate compounds irritate the delicate mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract upon ingestion, triggering inflammatory responses, pain and discomfort associated with recorded clinical signs

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Toxicity not formally confirmed; ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation due to isothiocyanate content

Sheep: Toxicity unconfirmed; sheep are generally more resistant to isothiocyanate-containing plants than horses, so adverse effects are rare unless very large volumes are consumed

Poultry: No reported toxicity cases; consumption of small quantities of the plant is unlikely to cause any adverse health effects

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Field Mustard Brassica rapa

Both are small yellow-flowered Brassicaceae species that grow in disturbed areas and pastures; Wormseed Mustard has narrower, elongated leaves and smaller, slender seed pods compared to field mustard

Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata

Both have serrated green leaves and thrive in similar temperate habitats; Garlic Mustard releases a distinct garlic-like odor when crushed, while Wormseed Mustard has no such characteristic scent

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Related Toxic Plants

Black Mustard

Brassica nigra

Moderate toxicity to horses and livestock

Jim Hill Mustard

Sisymbrium altissimum

Low to moderate toxicity to grazing animals

Wild Radish

Raphanus raphanistrum

Moderate toxicity to horses and ruminant livestock

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

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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