Yellow Bloodleaf Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,260 found this helpful

Yellow Bloodleaf has no confirmed toxicity risk for domestic cats and dogs

No formal research data is available to confirm its toxicity to horses

Incidental ingestion by cats or dogs is not expected to cause adverse symptoms

FAQ

Is Yellow Bloodleaf toxic to Humans?

No confirmed toxic effects reported; mild transient gastrointestinal upset possible only with extremely large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Yellow Bloodleaf toxic to Cats?

No toxic symptoms expected from incidental exposure or small-volume ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Yellow Bloodleaf toxic to Dogs?

No toxic symptoms expected from incidental exposure or small-volume ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Yellow Bloodleaf toxic to Horses?

Unknown, no formal toxicity studies have been conducted for this species (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic effects reported; mild transient gastrointestinal upset possible only with extremely large ingestion

Cats

Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms expected from incidental exposure or small-volume ingestion

Dogs

Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms expected from incidental exposure or small-volume ingestion

Horses

Unknown

Unknown, no formal toxicity studies have been conducted for this species

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo plant parts are confirmed toxic to cats or dogs; toxicity of all plant parts for horses is unconfirmed

Exposure RouteOral ingestion, skin contact (no confirmed irritant effects reported for either route)

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic secondary metabolites associated with poisoning risk have been identified to date

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water if large quantities of the plant are ingested
• Monitor for 24 hours for mild non-specific gastrointestinal upset such as soft stools
• Remove any remaining plant material from the animal's immediate reach

Contact Vet Immediately

• Persistent vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy occurs after large ingestion
• Your horse has consumed large amounts of the plant and shows unusual behavioral or physical symptoms
• You suspect concurrent ingestion of other unknown, potentially toxic plants

Prevention

• Keep unconfirmed plant species out of reach of young pets and unsupervised horses
• Confirm full plant identification before allowing animal access to new landscaping or foraging areas
• Avoid feeding unvetted ornamental plants to livestock or companion animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care for mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they develop
• No specific antidote is required as no confirmed toxic effects exist for cats and dogs
• Administer symptomatic care for any observed adverse effects in horses until the cause is confirmed

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameIresine herbstii

AliasesChicken Gizzard、Bloodleaf、Joseph's Coat

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

No organ toxicity reported for cats or dogs; risk for horses is unknown

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism has been identified, as the plant is confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: No confirmed toxicity data available; moderate risk of nitrate accumulation if grown in high-nitrogen agricultural soil

Sheep: No confirmed toxicity data available; low risk of mild gastrointestinal upset with large-volume ingestion

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No confirmed toxic effects reported; safe for consumption in small quantities as part of a varied diet

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Painted Nettle Coleus scutellarioides

Visually similar bright variegated ornamental foliage used in landscaping. Key difference: Painted Nettle has serrated leaf edges, while Yellow Bloodleaf has smoother leaves often with reddish-purple undersides

Joseph's Coat Alternanthera ficoidea

Shares the common alias 'Joseph's Coat' with Iresine herbstii, and has similar variegated foliage for garden use. Key difference: Alternanthera ficoidea has much smaller, more compact leaves than Yellow Bloodleaf

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Related Toxic Plants

Redroot Pigweed

Amaranthus retroflexus

Moderate, can cause fatal nitrate poisoning in livestock when consumed in large quantities

Lamb's Quarters

Chenopodium album

Low, can cause oxalate poisoning and gastrointestinal irritation in large volumes

Four-wing Saltbush

Atriplex canescens

Low to Moderate, high oxalate and salt content can cause poisoning in overconsumption by 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.