PlantFunCrown-of-thorns Toxic?
Toxic diterpene compounds in the sap remain active even after storage or drying of the plant.
Ingestion causes gastrointestinal distress, mouth sores and colic, while eye contact can lead to temporary blindness.
Accidental poisoning is rare, as the plant's sharp thorns and unpleasant acrid odor deter consumption by humans and animals.
FAQ
Is Crown-of-thorns toxic to Humans?
Gastroenteritis, oral mucosal lesions, colic; eye contact causes keratoconjunctivitis and temporary blindness (Moderate)
Is Crown-of-thorns toxic to Cats?
No species-specific data available; expected effects align with human reports, including gastrointestinal irritation, mouth sores, and eye injury on exposure (Moderate)
Is Crown-of-thorns toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific data available; expected effects align with human reports, including gastrointestinal irritation, mouth sores, and eye injury on exposure (Moderate)
Is Crown-of-thorns toxic to Horses?
No species-specific data available; expected effects align with human reports, including gastrointestinal irritation, mouth sores, colic, and eye injury on exposure (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
Gastroenteritis, oral mucosal lesions, colic; eye contact causes keratoconjunctivitis and temporary blindness
No species-specific data available; expected effects align with human reports, including gastrointestinal irritation, mouth sores, and eye injury on exposure
No species-specific data available; expected effects align with human reports, including gastrointestinal irritation, mouth sores, and eye injury on exposure
No species-specific data available; expected effects align with human reports, including gastrointestinal irritation, mouth sores, colic, and eye injury on exposure
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • For ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with cool water, do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical or veterinary professional
- • For eye exposure: Flush affected eye with lukewarm running water for 15+ minutes, holding the eyelid open to clear all sap residue
- • For dermal sap contact: Wash affected skin with soap and cool water immediately to avoid irritation
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any amount of plant material or sap is ingested by a pet or livestock animal
- • Eye exposure leads to persistent pain, redness, or changes in vision
- • Symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or mouth sores develop after exposure
Prevention
- • Keep the plant out of reach of children, pets, and grazing livestock
- • Wear gloves and eye protection when pruning or handling the plant to avoid sap contact
- • Dispose of pruned plant material securely to prevent accidental ingestion by animals
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Decontamination: Administer activated charcoal for recent ingestion if medically appropriate, complete skin/eye flushing for contact exposure
- • Symptomatic care: Provide pain management, fluid support for gastrointestinal irritation, and specialized ophthalmic care for eye injuries
- • Monitor the exposed patient for 24-48 hours for onset of delayed symptoms
Professional Toxicology
• Caustic diterpene compounds irritate and damage mucosal epithelial tissue in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and eyes
• Phorbol esters trigger local inflammatory responses leading to swelling, pain, and tissue damage at exposure sites
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.