Savin juniper Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 1,609 found this helpful

All plant parts are toxic, with young branch tips containing the highest concentration of harmful compounds

Ruminants are the most sensitive to its toxicity, while horses can tolerate moderate long-term exposure without symptoms

Ingestion can cause bloody diarrhea, late-term abortion, paralysis, and even fatal outcomes in vulnerable species including dogs

FAQ

Is Savin juniper toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, potentially bloody diarrhea, muscle cramps, hematuria, and late-term pregnancy loss are expected following ingestion (Severe)

Is Savin juniper toxic to Cats?

No species-specific data available, but severe symptoms including salivation, tremors, and paralysis are expected, consistent with dog toxicity profiles (Severe)

Is Savin juniper toxic to Dogs?

Salivation, gastroenteritis, painful/difficult urination, tremors, tachycardia, difficulty breathing, hypothermia, paralysis, potential fatal outcome (Severe)

Is Savin juniper toxic to Horses?

Generally asymptomatic when ingesting 120-360g of branch tips over an extended period; mild gastrointestinal irritation may occur at higher doses (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Severe

Vomiting, potentially bloody diarrhea, muscle cramps, hematuria, and late-term pregnancy loss are expected following ingestion

Cats

Severe

No species-specific data available, but severe symptoms including salivation, tremors, and paralysis are expected, consistent with dog toxicity profiles

Dogs

Severe

Salivation, gastroenteritis, painful/difficult urination, tremors, tachycardia, difficulty breathing, hypothermia, paralysis, potential fatal outcome

Horses

Low

Generally asymptomatic when ingesting 120-360g of branch tips over an extended period; mild gastrointestinal irritation may occur at higher doses

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts, especially young branch tips

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion; dermal contact with fresh plant sap may cause mild localized skin irritation

Toxic CompoundsSabinene; Sabinyl acetate; Sabinol; Cyclic monoterpenes; Resinous compounds; Tannins; Bitter glycoside pinipicrin

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting if ingestion occurred within 2 hours and the affected individual is conscious and not seizing
• Administer activated charcoal at species-appropriate doses to bind unabsorbed toxic compounds
• Rinse mouth thoroughly to remove residual plant debris, and monitor closely for early symptom onset

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of Savin juniper by pets, livestock, or children
• Onset of symptoms including vomiting, bloody diarrhea, tremors, difficulty breathing, or paralysis
• Ingestion by a pregnant individual of any species, due to high late-term abortion risk

Prevention

• Remove Savin juniper plants from areas accessible to pets, livestock, and young children
• Clearly label ornamental Savin juniper to avoid confusion with edible common juniper species
• Never feed unidentifiable juniper or cypress trimmings to livestock, especially sensitive ruminants

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform gastrointestinal decontamination (emesis, activated charcoal, gastric lavage) as appropriate for species and exposure timeline
• Provide symptomatic supportive care: IV fluids, anti-emetics, pain management, temperature regulation, and respiratory support as needed
• Monitor for organ damage, internal bleeding, and pregnancy complications for at least 72 hours post-exposure

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameJuniperus sabina L.

AliasesSavin、Stink juniper、Poison juniper、Sabine juniper

Toxicity Grade

HumansSevere

CatsSevere

DogsSevere

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractKidneysUterusNervous systemRespiratory systemCardiovascular system

Mechanism of Action

• Toxic essential oils and glycosides irritate gastrointestinal mucosa, causing hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

• Compounds trigger uterine smooth muscle contraction, leading to late-term abortion in pregnant individuals

• Systemic absorption of neurotoxic monoterpenes causes muscle spasms, paralysis, and respiratory depression in severe cases

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats): Exceptionally sensitive to Savin juniper toxicity; even small ingested doses can cause severe illness, abortion, and death

Small companion mammals (rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs): Suspected to have high sensitivity, with ingestion likely to cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Juniperus species Juniperus spp.

Visually similar to other juniper species including edible common juniper (Juniperus communis); key difference is Savin juniper's strong unpleasant odor when foliage is crushed

Lawson's cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana

Similar scale-like foliage to Savin juniper; Lawson's cypress is also toxic, and can be distinguished by its small rounded seed cones vs. Savin juniper's berry-like cones

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Related Toxic Plants

Eastern red cedar

Juniperus virginiana

Moderate toxicity

Monterey cypress

Cupressus macrocarpa

High toxicity, causes abortion in cattle

Leyland cypress

× Cuprocyparis leylandii

Low to moderate toxicity, causes gastrointestinal irritation

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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.