Showy stonecrop Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,666 found this helpful

All parts of the plant are toxic, containing piperidine alkaloids that may cause adverse reactions upon ingestion

Ingestion symptoms include gagging, vomiting, movement and respiratory disorders, paralysis, and potential cardiac arrest in severe cases

Most related Hylotelephium and Sedum species have far lower alkaloid content than the more toxic Sedum acre

FAQ

Is Showy stonecrop toxic to Humans?

Gagging, vomiting, respiratory impairment, movement disorders, paralysis, potential cardiac arrest in severe cases (Low)

Is Showy stonecrop toxic to Cats?

No species-specific toxicity data documented; general poisoning symptoms including vomiting, lethargy and appetite loss may occur after ingestion (Unknown)

Is Showy stonecrop toxic to Dogs?

No species-specific toxicity data documented; general poisoning symptoms including vomiting, lethargy and appetite loss may occur after ingestion (Unknown)

Is Showy stonecrop toxic to Horses?

No species-specific toxicity data documented; general poisoning symptoms including salivation, diarrhea and incoordination may occur after ingestion (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Gagging, vomiting, respiratory impairment, movement disorders, paralysis, potential cardiac arrest in severe cases

Cats

Unknown

No species-specific toxicity data documented; general poisoning symptoms including vomiting, lethargy and appetite loss may occur after ingestion

Dogs

Unknown

No species-specific toxicity data documented; general poisoning symptoms including vomiting, lethargy and appetite loss may occur after ingestion

Horses

Unknown

No species-specific toxicity data documented; general poisoning symptoms including salivation, diarrhea and incoordination may occur after ingestion

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant

Exposure RouteIngestion is the only confirmed toxic exposure route; skin contact is not reported to cause adverse effects

Toxic CompoundsSedacrin; Sedinin; (-)-Sedamin; Sedacryptin; Sedridin; Other piperidine alkaloids

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting immediately if the affected individual is conscious and alert to remove unabsorbed plant material
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean water to eliminate residual plant debris
• Monitor closely for early onset of symptoms including vomiting, uncoordinated movement or difficulty breathing

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the animal exhibits appetite loss, ataxia, hyperthermia or respiratory distress after ingestion
• If symptoms persist or worsen after initial decontamination steps
• If a large quantity of plant material is ingested by young, small or immunocompromised animals

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children, pets and grazing livestock
• Correctly identify the species to avoid confusion with edible succulent varieties
• Label potted specimens clearly to prevent accidental ingestion

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform decontamination via induced vomiting and gastric lavage as clinically appropriate
• Administer symptomatic supportive care including anti-emetics and fluid therapy as needed
• Monitor cardiac and respiratory function in severe cases to address potential paralysis or cardiac arrest

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameHylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H.Ohba; Sedum spectabile Boreau

AliasesIce plant、Brilliant stonecrop、Butterfly stonecrop、Prächtige Fetthenne (German)、Sédum remarquable (French)、Orpin des jardins (French)、Orpin d'automne (French)、Sedum da fiore (Italian)

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractNervous systemRespiratory systemHeart

Mechanism of Action

• Piperidine alkaloids disrupt neurological function, leading to movement disorders and paralysis

• Alkaloids irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, triggering gagging and vomiting

• High doses of alkaloids impair cardiac and respiratory muscle function, potentially leading to arrest

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Pig: 3-month-old 30kg young pigs exhibited inappetence, ataxia and hyperthermia after ingestion; full recovery was recorded after induced vomiting and antibiotic administration

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Hylotelephium species Hylotelephium spp.

Morphologically similar succulents with clustered flower heads and fleshy leaves; key differences include leaf shape and flower color, plus varying alkaloid content and toxicity levels across species

Other Sedum species Sedum spp.

Visually similar low-growing succulents; Sedum acre has far higher alkaloid content and significantly higher toxicity than Hylotelephium spectabile

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Related Toxic Plants

Low to moderate toxicity

Mother of thousands

Kalanchoe daigremontiana

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.