Dyer's broom Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 2,477 found this helpful

All parts of Genista tinctoria are confirmed toxic to humans and grazing animals, with toxicity ranging from mild to severe

Its toxic compound profile is identical to that of Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) per official CliniTox reference data

It is easily confused with other Genista species, raising risk of accidental exposure for foragers and grazing livestock

FAQ

Is Dyer's broom toxic to Humans?

May include vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and fatigue, consistent with quinolizidine alkaloid poisoning from related Genista species (High)

Is Dyer's broom toxic to Cats?

Potential vomiting, lethargy, reduced appetite, and cardiac irregularities; no species-specific data is available, risk is inferred from related toxic Fabaceae plants (Unknown)

Is Dyer's broom toxic to Dogs?

Potential gastrointestinal distress, arrhythmia, weakness, and disorientation; no species-specific data is available, risk is inferred from related toxic Fabaceae plants (Unknown)

Is Dyer's broom toxic to Horses?

May cause colic, cardiac arrhythmia, muscle tremors, and reduced coordination, as reported for closely related toxic Genista species (Unknown)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

High

May include vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and fatigue, consistent with quinolizidine alkaloid poisoning from related Genista species

Cats

Unknown

Potential vomiting, lethargy, reduced appetite, and cardiac irregularities; no species-specific data is available, risk is inferred from related toxic Fabaceae plants

Dogs

Unknown

Potential gastrointestinal distress, arrhythmia, weakness, and disorientation; no species-specific data is available, risk is inferred from related toxic Fabaceae plants

Horses

Unknown

May cause colic, cardiac arrhythmia, muscle tremors, and reduced coordination, as reported for closely related toxic Genista species

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, including leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and roots

Exposure RouteIngestion of any plant part, via accidental consumption by foraging animals or human misidentification as edible greens

Toxic CompoundsSparteine; Cytisine; Quinolizidine alkaloids (toxin profile matches Cytisus scoparius per official CliniTox toxicology references)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting only in conscious humans/animals if ingestion occurred within the last 15 minutes, per explicit medical/vet guidance
• Remove all remaining plant material from the mouth and surrounding area to prevent further consumption
• Collect a full sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification to guide targeted treatment

Contact Vet Immediately

• If any ingestion of the plant is confirmed, even if no symptoms are immediately visible
• If symptoms like vomiting, irregular heartbeat, disorientation or lethargy appear after potential exposure
• If grazing animals are confirmed to have foraged in areas where Dyer's broom is known to grow

Prevention

• Avoid planting Dyer's broom in areas accessible to pets, livestock, or young children
• Educate foragers on key identifying features of Dyer's broom to avoid misidentification as edible plants
• Remove wild Dyer's broom growth from pastures and grazing areas for horses and commercial livestock

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care including fluid therapy to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances from gastrointestinal distress
• Continuous cardiac monitoring to detect and manage arrhythmias caused by toxic quinolizidine alkaloids
• Symptomatic treatment including prescribed anti-emetics and anti-arrhythmic medications as clinically indicated

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameGenista tinctoria L.

AliasesDyer's greenweed、Dyer's whin、Waxen woad、Waxen wood、Färber-Ginster (German)、Genêt des teinturiers (French)、Ginestra minore (Italian)

Toxicity Grade

HumansHigh

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

HeartGastrointestinal tractCentral nervous systemKidneys (secondary to toxicity)

Mechanism of Action

• Quinolizidine alkaloids like cytisine and sparteine interfere with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor function in the nervous system

• Toxic alkaloids disrupt cardiac ion channel activity, leading to irregular heart rhythm and related circulatory impairment

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): Toxicity risk is well documented for grazing livestock, with ingestion of large quantities potentially leading to fatal cardiac or nervous system impairment

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No species-specific data is available, but ingestion is not recommended due to confirmed toxicity of closely related Genista species

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Genista species Genista spp.

Many Genista species share nearly identical leaf, flower, and growth form characteristics; key distinguishing features include flower size, stem hairiness, and native growth habitat, requiring expert identification to separate toxic and non-toxic species

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Scotch broom

Cytisus scoparius

High toxicity

Lupine

Lupinus spp.

Moderate to high toxicity

Black locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

High to severe toxicity

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

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.