Meadowsweet Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 1,652 found this helpful

No parts of Filipendula ulmaria are classified as toxic, and it is considered a moderate-quality forage plant in small quantities

The plant contains salicylic acid derivatives, tannins, and essential oils that may only cause mild reactions if eaten in very large amounts

It is easily confused with other Filipendula species and Astilbe species, so correct identification is recommended for forage use

FAQ

Is Meadowsweet toxic to Humans?

Mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or headache only if extremely large quantities are consumed; no severe toxicity reported (Non-toxic)

Is Meadowsweet toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild digestive irritation possible with excessive ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Meadowsweet toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild vomiting or diarrhea possible with very high intake (Non-toxic)

Is Meadowsweet toxic to Horses?

Safe as a minor forage component; excessive intake may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

Mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or headache only if extremely large quantities are consumed; no severe toxicity reported

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild digestive irritation possible with excessive ingestion

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild vomiting or diarrhea possible with very high intake

Horses

Non-toxic

Safe as a minor forage component; excessive intake may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts identified; the plant is a moderate-quality forage source when consumed in small quantities

Exposure Route['Oral ingestion of plant material', 'Rare mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals on contact']

Toxic CompoundsEssential oils; Salicylic acid compounds; Tannins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly if large quantities of the plant were ingested
• Drink 1-2 glasses of water to dilute potentially irritating compounds
• Monitor for mild gastrointestinal discomfort for 2 hours post-ingestion

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet has ingested very large quantities and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
• If your pet has a known salicylate (aspirin) allergy and ingested any amount of the plant
• If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours post-ingestion

Prevention

• Correctly identify the plant before allowing livestock or pets to graze in areas where it grows
• Keep large quantities of harvested meadowsweet out of reach of pets with salicylate sensitivity
• Avoid feeding excessive amounts of the plant as forage to livestock

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care for mild gastrointestinal symptoms (fluids, anti-emetics if needed)
• No specific antidote is required as severe toxicity is not reported
• Allergy management for rare hypersensitivity reactions

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameFilipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. (syn. Spiraea ulmaria L., Ulmaria pentapetala Gilib.)

AliasesBridewort、Meadow queen、Meadow-wort、Meadsweet、Reine des prés、Olmaria comune、Moor-Geissbart、Echtes Mädesüss、Wiesen-Spierstaude、Rüsterstaude、Spierstaude

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tract (mild irritation only with excessive intake)

Mechanism of Action

• Salicylic acid compounds may have mild gastrointestinal irritant effects in very high doses

• Tannins can cause mild astringent effects in the digestive system if consumed excessively

• Essential oils may trigger rare allergic reactions in sensitive individuals or animals

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Safe as a minor component of forage, no toxic effects reported at typical intake levels

Sheep: Tolerates small amounts of the plant in diet, no adverse effects documented

Goats: Non-toxic in small quantities, may consume it naturally while grazing without harm

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Filipendula species Filipendula spp.

Visually similar leaf and flower structure; most variants have similar low toxicity profiles, but correct identification is recommended to avoid consumption of less studied species

Astilbe species Astilbe spp.

Similar feathery flower clusters and leaf morphology; Astilbe species are generally non-toxic but have different chemical compositions, so misidentification may lead to incorrect forage use assessments

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Related Toxic Plants

Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus

High toxicity, contains cyanogenic glycosides that cause severe poisoning even in small doses

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Moderate to High toxicity, wilted leaves contain cyanide compounds dangerous to livestock

Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster spp.

Moderate toxicity, berries contain cyanogenic glycosides that cause gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms

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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.