PlantFunCommon winterberry Toxic?
Red berries, bark, and leaves are all toxic, with triterpene saponins as the core toxic components
Ingestion by cats and dogs causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, plus potential oral mucosal injury from spiny leaves
Consuming large amounts of the plant may lead to gastrointestinal or esophageal foreign body obstruction
FAQ
Is Common winterberry toxic to Humans?
No specific human toxicity data recorded, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort and oral irritation (Low)
Is Common winterberry toxic to Cats?
Hypersalivation, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, head shaking, lip smacking, possible oral mucosal ulceration from spiny leaves (Moderate)
Is Common winterberry toxic to Dogs?
Hypersalivation, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, head shaking, lip smacking, possible oral mucosal ulceration from spiny leaves (Moderate)
Is Common winterberry toxic to Horses?
No specific equine toxicity data recorded, ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset or foreign body obstruction (Low)
Toxicity Details
No specific human toxicity data recorded, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort and oral irritation
Hypersalivation, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, head shaking, lip smacking, possible oral mucosal ulceration from spiny leaves
Hypersalivation, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, head shaking, lip smacking, possible oral mucosal ulceration from spiny leaves
No specific equine toxicity data recorded, ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset or foreign body obstruction
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Monitor closely for symptoms if small amounts are ingested
- • Rinse mouth gently with clean water if oral irritation occurs
- • Induce vomiting under professional guidance only if large amounts are ingested within 1 hour
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Persistent vomiting, diarrhea or anorexia occurs after ingestion
- • Signs of oral pain, excessive drooling or difficulty swallowing are observed
- • Large quantities of the plant are ingested, or foreign body obstruction is suspected
Prevention
- • Keep the plant out of reach of pets, livestock and children
- • Avoid planting this species in grazing areas for lambs and other small livestock
- • Learn to identify this species to avoid accidental ingestion
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Decontamination is only required if large quantities are ingested
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care for gastrointestinal symptoms
- • Treat oral ulceration or foreign body obstruction as clinically indicated
Professional Toxicology
• Triterpene saponins irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa leading to gastrointestinal symptoms
• Spiny leaf edges cause mechanical damage to oral and esophageal mucosa
• Indigestible plant material accumulates in the digestive tract to cause foreign body obstruction when large amounts are consumed
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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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.