Seven Bark Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,649 found this helpful

Seven Bark is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA data

Its primary toxic compound is cyanogenic glycoside, though life-threatening cyanide intoxication is very rare

Most exposure cases only result in mild gastrointestinal and mild neurological symptoms rather than severe cyanide poisoning

FAQ

Is Seven Bark toxic to Humans?

No confirmed severe human toxicity data available; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if large quantities are ingested (Low)

Is Seven Bark toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, depression, diarrhea; severe cyanide intoxication is extremely rare, primarily presents as gastrointestinal disturbance (Moderate)

Is Seven Bark toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, depression, diarrhea; severe cyanide intoxication is extremely rare, primarily presents as gastrointestinal disturbance (Moderate)

Is Seven Bark toxic to Horses?

Vomiting, depression, diarrhea; severe cyanide intoxication is extremely rare, primarily presents as gastrointestinal disturbance (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No confirmed severe human toxicity data available; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if large quantities are ingested

Cats

Moderate

Vomiting, depression, diarrhea; severe cyanide intoxication is extremely rare, primarily presents as gastrointestinal disturbance

Dogs

Moderate

Vomiting, depression, diarrhea; severe cyanide intoxication is extremely rare, primarily presents as gastrointestinal disturbance

Horses

Moderate

Vomiting, depression, diarrhea; severe cyanide intoxication is extremely rare, primarily presents as gastrointestinal disturbance

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts, especially leaves, flowers and bark are considered potentially toxic

Exposure RouteOral ingestion is the primary exposure route; skin contact may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsCyanogenic glycoside

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the exposed animal's mouth immediately, rinse mouth with clean water
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a licensed veterinarian
• Monitor the animal for onset of vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual lethargy in the first hour post-exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the animal has ingested more than a small bite of plant material
• If clinical signs including vomiting, persistent diarrhea, depression or lethargy appear
• If you suspect the animal has consumed large quantities of the plant and may be at risk of cyanide exposure

Prevention

• Keep Seven Bark plants out of reach of household pets and grazing horses
• Avoid planting this species in pastures, yards, or areas accessible to pets and livestock
• Educate household members and pet sitters to recognize this plant and avoid exposing animals to it

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarians may administer gastrointestinal decontamination (e.g. activated charcoal) for recent large ingestions
• Supportive care including fluid therapy and anti-emetics may be provided to manage diarrhea and vomiting
• Cyanide antidote therapy is very rarely needed, only administered if confirmed cyanide intoxication is present

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameHydrangea arborescens

AliasesHydrangea、Hortensia、Hills of Snow

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCentral nervous systemCardiovascular system (in rare severe cyanide intoxication cases)

Mechanism of Action

• Cyanogenic glycoside is metabolized in the digestive tract to release cyanide, which disrupts cellular oxygen utilization

• Most exposures only produce low levels of cyanide that are rapidly detoxified by the body, leading to only gastrointestinal irritation

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Potentially toxic if ingested in large quantities, may cause gastrointestinal distress and rare cyanide intoxication

Sheep: Low to moderate toxicity risk, symptoms consistent with those reported in horses when large amounts are consumed

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Moderate toxicity risk, may develop vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy post-ingestion

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Oakleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia

Visually similar due to shared rounded hydrangea flower structure; key difference is Oakleaf Hydrangea has distinct lobed, oak-like leaves while Seven Bark has smooth, heart-shaped leaves

Korean Spice Viburnum Viburnum carlesii

Produces similar rounded white flower clusters in spring; key difference is Viburnum leaves have serrated edges and produce red/black berries, unlike Seven Bark

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Related Toxic Plants

Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla

Moderate toxicity, contains cyanogenic glycosides, toxic to cats, dogs and horses

Climbing Hydrangea

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris

Low to Moderate toxicity, contains cyanogenic glycosides, may cause GI upset if ingested

Mock Orange

Philadelphus coronarius

Low toxicity, saponin compounds may cause mild GI irritation in pets and livestock

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.