PlantFunGoat's rue Toxic?
All plant parts are toxic, with highest toxin concentrations during flowering and fruiting; toxins remain active even after drying.
Sheep ingestion causes severe respiratory distress, convulsions, and potential rapid death from asphyxia 18-24 hours post-exposure.
It is easily confused with highly toxic crown vetch (Securigera varia), increasing accidental ingestion risk for grazing livestock.
FAQ
Is Goat's rue toxic to Humans?
No confirmed toxicity or symptom data available for humans (Moderate)
Is Goat's rue toxic to Cats?
No confirmed toxicity or symptom data available for cats (Moderate)
Is Goat's rue toxic to Dogs?
No confirmed toxicity or symptom data available for dogs (Moderate)
Is Goat's rue toxic to Horses?
No confirmed toxicity or symptom data available for horses (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
No confirmed toxicity or symptom data available for humans
No confirmed toxicity or symptom data available for cats
No confirmed toxicity or symptom data available for dogs
No confirmed toxicity or symptom data available for horses
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • If ingestion is witnessed, prevent further consumption and remove all plant material from the exposed individual's mouth
- • Collect a full sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification to guide treatment
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a medical or veterinary professional
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Ingestion of any quantity of the plant is suspected in livestock, pets, or humans
- • Symptoms including difficulty breathing, coughing, foaming at the mouth/nose, or muscle spasms appear after potential exposure
- • Unusual neurological symptoms (convulsions, abnormal posturing) develop after possible plant ingestion
Prevention
- • Avoid planting Goat's rue in areas accessible to livestock, pets, or young children
- • Learn to identify Goat's rue and its highly toxic lookalike crown vetch to prevent accidental exposure
- • Remove wild growing Goat's rue from pastures used for sheep grazing
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Decontamination procedures including activated charcoal administration and gastric lavage as clinically appropriate
- • Symptomatic supportive care including respiratory support, anti-convulsant medication, and cardiac monitoring
- • Ongoing clinical observation for 24-48 hours post-exposure to catch delayed symptom onset
Professional Toxicology
• Guanidine derivatives (galegin and hydroxigalegin) are the primary toxic agents, interfering with respiratory and neuromuscular function
• Unidentified additional toxins likely contribute to severe, potentially fatal clinical effects in susceptible species
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
Related Toxic Plants
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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.