Cypress spurge Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,924 found this helpful

All plant parts containing milky sap are toxic; terpenoid toxins remain active even after storage and drying.

Ingestion causes bloody diarrhea, vomiting, colic, seizures, heart rhythm issues and possible circulatory collapse.

Eye contact with sap triggers severe conjunctivitis and corneal inflammation, requiring immediate medical care.

FAQ

Is Cypress spurge toxic to Humans?

Bloody diarrhea, vomiting, colic, dizziness, seizures, circulatory collapse, irregular heartbeat, bloody urine; eye contact causes severe conjunctivitis and corneal inflammation (High)

Is Cypress spurge toxic to Cats?

Oral irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, potential heart and kidney damage with large ingestions (High)

Is Cypress spurge toxic to Dogs?

Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal colic, uncoordinated movement, possible heart rhythm abnormalities (High)

Is Cypress spurge toxic to Horses?

Oral inflammation, salivation, colic, bloody diarrhea, bloody urine, muscle tremors, uncoordinated movement, possible circulatory collapse (High)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

High

Bloody diarrhea, vomiting, colic, dizziness, seizures, circulatory collapse, irregular heartbeat, bloody urine; eye contact causes severe conjunctivitis and corneal inflammation

Cats

High

Oral irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, potential heart and kidney damage with large ingestions

Dogs

High

Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal colic, uncoordinated movement, possible heart rhythm abnormalities

Horses

High

Oral inflammation, salivation, colic, bloody diarrhea, bloody urine, muscle tremors, uncoordinated movement, possible circulatory collapse

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts that contain milky sap

Exposure RouteIngestion of plant material, ingestion of contaminated livestock milk, eye contact, skin contact with milky sap

Toxic CompoundsIngenol esters; Phorbol esters; Euphol

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingested, rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional
• If sap contacts eyes, flush affected eye with lukewarm clean water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open during flushing
• If sap contacts skin, wash affected area with soap and water immediately, avoid touching eyes/mouth before washing
• Remove all remaining plant material from the mouth, skin or fur of exposed people or animals

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of the plant by humans, pets or livestock
• Development of symptoms including vomiting, bloody diarrhea, difficulty breathing or eye pain after exposure
• Presence of neurological signs such as tremors, seizures or uncoordinated movement
• Signs of eye swelling, irritation or vision changes after sap contact

Prevention

• Remove cypress spurge from pastures, gardens and areas accessible to children and pets
• Wear protective gloves and eye gear when handling any Euphorbia species to avoid sap exposure
• Do not feed hay or forage contaminated with cypress spurge to livestock, as toxins remain active after drying
• Avoid consuming milk from livestock that may have grazed on cypress spurge

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform decontamination: administer activated charcoal for recent ingestion if clinically appropriate
• Provide supportive care: fluid therapy to prevent dehydration, pain management for colic, antiarrhythmics for heart rhythm abnormalities
• Treat eye exposure with prescribed topical anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications
• Monitor heart, kidney and liver function for 24-72 hours post exposure

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameEuphorbia cyparissias L.

AliasesCypress euphorbia、Cypress-leaved spurge、False cypress spurge、Small cypress spurge

Toxicity Grade

HumansHigh

CatsHigh

DogsHigh

HorsesHigh

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractEyesKidneysHeartNervous systemSkinOral mucosa

Mechanism of Action

• Irritant diterpenes cause severe mucosal inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, eyes and skin

• Triterpene compounds induce organ toxicity, neurological dysfunction and heart rhythm disturbances

• Toxins are excreted in milk of exposed lactating animals, causing secondary exposure risk

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Birds: Very highly toxic (Severe, +++); ingestion causes rapid onset of severe poisoning with high mortality risk

Cattle: Poisoning possible via contaminated dry fodder; symptoms include colic, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, bloody urine, muscle tremors, uncoordinated movement. Toxins are excreted in milk, which may turn reddish or have altered taste

Sheep: Ingestion of fresh plant causes severe swelling and inflammation of oral mucosa, excessive salivation, diarrhea; full recovery expected after access to the plant is removed

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other spurge species Euphorbia spp.

Most Euphorbia species have similar milky sap and overlapping growth forms; all carry comparable toxicity risks, so avoid handling unidentified spurge plants.

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Related Toxic Plants

Euphorbia pulcherrima

Low to moderate toxicity

Crown of thorns

Euphorbia milii

Moderate to high 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.