Winged broom Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,934 found this helpful

All parts of Winged broom are toxic, with severity ranging from low to high

The plant has a naturally bitter taste, so it is very rarely eaten by grazing pasture animals

Its toxic compound profile matches that of the closely related common broom (Cytisus scoparius)

FAQ

Is Winged broom toxic to Humans?

Potential symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness if ingested; seek medical care if large amounts are consumed (High)

Is Winged broom toxic to Cats?

May cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or appetite loss if ingested; contact a veterinarian promptly if consumption is observed (High)

Is Winged broom toxic to Dogs?

May trigger gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, or reduced appetite after ingestion; consult a veterinarian if exposure is confirmed (High)

Is Winged broom toxic to Horses?

Can lead to gastrointestinal irritation, reduced feed intake, or systemic effects if significant amounts are eaten; contact an equine veterinarian immediately (High)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

High

Potential symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness if ingested; seek medical care if large amounts are consumed

Cats

High

May cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or appetite loss if ingested; contact a veterinarian promptly if consumption is observed

Dogs

High

May trigger gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, or reduced appetite after ingestion; consult a veterinarian if exposure is confirmed

Horses

High

Can lead to gastrointestinal irritation, reduced feed intake, or systemic effects if significant amounts are eaten; contact an equine veterinarian immediately

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll parts of the plant; it has a bitter taste and is rarely consumed by grazing animals on pasture

Exposure RouteIngestion of any part of the plant; no dermal or inhalation toxicity has been documented for this species

Toxic CompoundsToxic constituents are consistent with those of Cytisus scoparius (common broom), as documented in standard alpine plant toxicology references

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed human or animal immediately
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a medical professional or veterinarian
• Document the amount ingested and time of exposure to share with care providers

Contact Vet Immediately

• If you observe your cat, dog, or horse ingesting any part of Winged broom
• If your pet or livestock shows unexplained gastrointestinal distress after potential pasture exposure
• If you notice lethargy, reduced appetite, or unusual behavior after suspected exposure

Prevention

• Remove Winged broom plants from residential yards, pet play areas, and livestock pastures
• Learn to identify Winged broom and its lookalike related Genista species to avoid accidental exposure
• Do not use this plant in cut flower arrangements or landscaping accessible to pets and grazing animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care including gastrointestinal decontamination (for recent ingestion) and symptom management as directed by care providers
• Monitor vital signs and organ function in cases of significant ingestion to catch systemic effects early
• No specific antidote exists, so care is focused on reducing toxin absorption and alleviating presenting symptoms

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameGenista sagittalis L.

AliasesCytisus sagittalis (L.) K.Koch、Chamaespartium sagittale (L.) P.E.Gibbs、Flügel-Ginster、Gewöhnliche Flügelginster、Ramsele、Genêt ailé、Genêt à tiges ailées、Genistrelle、Ginestra alata

Toxicity Grade

HumansHigh

CatsHigh

DogsHigh

HorsesHigh

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCardiovascular systemCentral nervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Toxic alkaloids present in the plant disrupt normal cellular and organ function following ingestion, consistent with related Genista/Cytisus species

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats): Expected to be at risk of toxicity if ingested, though bitter taste reduces likelihood of voluntary consumption

Small pet mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress and systemic toxicity; access to the plant should be strictly prevented

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other broom species Genista spp.

Many Genista species share similar yellow flower and small shrub morphology, making visual differentiation difficult; all related species should be treated as potentially toxic

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Related Toxic Plants

Common broom

Cytisus scoparius

Moderate to High toxicity

Black locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

High to Severe toxicity

Lupine

Lupinus spp.

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.