PlantFunSnow-on-the-mountain spurge Toxic?
All plant parts containing milky sap are toxic, with active compounds that are not degraded by storage or drying
Ingestion causes severe gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and neurological symptoms, while eye contact triggers serious corneal and conjunctival inflammation
Toxins are excreted in the milk of exposed cows, making milk from affected animals unsafe for consumption
FAQ
Is Snow-on-the-mountain 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 Snow-on-the-mountain spurge toxic to Cats?
No species-specific data available; expected to cause oral/gastrointestinal irritation, skin/eye inflammation from sap contact, and systemic effects at high ingestion doses (Moderate)
Is Snow-on-the-mountain spurge toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific data available; expected to cause oral/gastrointestinal irritation, skin/eye inflammation from sap contact, and systemic effects at high ingestion doses (Moderate)
Is Snow-on-the-mountain spurge toxic to Horses?
No species-specific data available; expected to cause oral/gastrointestinal irritation, skin/eye inflammation from sap contact, and systemic effects at high ingestion doses (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
Bloody diarrhea, vomiting, colic, dizziness, seizures, circulatory collapse, irregular heartbeat, bloody urine; eye contact causes severe conjunctivitis and corneal inflammation
No species-specific data available; expected to cause oral/gastrointestinal irritation, skin/eye inflammation from sap contact, and systemic effects at high ingestion doses
No species-specific data available; expected to cause oral/gastrointestinal irritation, skin/eye inflammation from sap contact, and systemic effects at high ingestion doses
No species-specific data available; expected to cause oral/gastrointestinal irritation, skin/eye inflammation from sap contact, and systemic effects at high ingestion doses
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water if ingested; do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical/vet professional
- • Wash sap-exposed skin with soap and cold water immediately to reduce irritation
- • Flush sap-exposed eyes with lukewarm clean water for at least 15 minutes
- • 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 pets, livestock or children
- • Presence of symptoms including vomiting, bloody diarrhea, seizures, eye pain or irregular heartbeat after exposure
- • Confirmed exposure of dairy cattle to the plant, to test for milk contamination
Prevention
- • Avoid planting this species in areas accessible to children, pets or grazing livestock
- • Wear protective gloves and goggles when handling the plant to avoid sap contact
- • Inspect hay and dry livestock feed for contamination, as toxins remain active after drying
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform gastric decontamination (activated charcoal, gastric lavage) for recent ingestion as directed by a professional
- • Administer symptomatic care: fluid therapy for dehydration, antiarrhythmics for heart irregularities, pain management for colic, and anti-inflammatory care for eye/skin irritation
- • Monitor cardiac, gastrointestinal and renal function for 24-72 hours post-exposure
Professional Toxicology
• Irritant terpene compounds cause direct tissue damage to mucosal membranes of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, eyes and skin
• Systemic absorption of toxins disrupts cardiac rhythm, renal function and neural signaling leading to multi-organ effects
• Terpene toxins remain biologically active after plant drying and long-term storage, making contaminated feed dangerous
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.