Lambkill Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,185 found this helpful
Kalmia augustifolia
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Lambkill is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA toxicology data

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The primary toxic compound in the plant is grayanotoxin, which disrupts nerve and muscle function

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Ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to life-threatening cardiac failure in susceptible species

FAQ

Is Lambkill toxic to Humans?

No specific clinical symptom data for humans is available in the referenced dataset; suspected exposure requires prompt medical consultation (Low)

Is Lambkill toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea, generalized weakness, potentially fatal cardiac failure (High)

Is Lambkill toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, generalized weakness, potentially fatal cardiac failure (High)

Is Lambkill toxic to Horses?

Diarrhea, generalized weakness, potentially fatal cardiac failure (vomiting does not occur in poisoned horses) (High)

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Toxicity Details

Humans
Low

No specific clinical symptom data for humans is available in the referenced dataset; suspected exposure requires prompt medical consultation

Cats
High

Vomiting, diarrhea, generalized weakness, potentially fatal cardiac failure

Dogs
High

Vomiting, diarrhea, generalized weakness, potentially fatal cardiac failure

Horses
High

Diarrhea, generalized weakness, potentially fatal cardiac failure (vomiting does not occur in poisoned horses)

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts (leaves, flowers, stems, nectar, and pollen) are considered toxic
Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is accidental ingestion of plant material; ingestion of honey produced from its nectar is an additional potential exposure route
Toxic CompoundsGrayanotoxin

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

  • • Immediately remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed animal or human
  • • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a licensed veterinarian or medical professional
  • • Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification to guide treatment

Contact Vet Immediately

  • • If you witness ingestion of any amount of Lambkill plant material by your pet or livestock
  • • If your animal displays symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or abnormal heart rate after potential exposure
  • • If you suspect exposure even if no immediate symptoms are visible, as onset may be delayed

Prevention

  • • Remove Lambkill plants from home environments, yards, and livestock pastures to eliminate access
  • • Do not allow grazing animals including horses and sheep to roam in areas where Lambkill grows natively
  • • Educate pet and livestock owners on the distinct appearance of Lambkill to avoid accidental exposure

Treatment & Prognosis

  • • Activated charcoal may be administered by a veterinarian to reduce gastrointestinal absorption of grayanotoxin
  • • Supportive care including IV fluid therapy and continuous cardiac monitoring will be provided to manage symptoms
  • • Anti-arrhythmic medications and gastrointestinal supportive drugs may be used to address specific clinical signs
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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameKalmia augustifolia
AliasesSheep Laurel
Toxicity Grade
HumansLow
CatsHigh
DogsHigh
HorsesHigh
Target Organs
Gastrointestinal tractCardiovascular systemNervous system
Mechanism of Action

• Grayanotoxin binds to and modifies voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve and muscle cells, leading to prolonged depolarization and disrupted normal function of the cardiovascular, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Sheep and other small ruminants: Highly toxic, common cause of fatal poisoning in grazing sheep, which inspired the common names Lambkill and Sheep Laurel
Cattle: Susceptible to grayanotoxin poisoning after ingestion, with clinical symptoms matching those seen in poisoned horses
Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Bog Laurel Kalmia polifolia
Visually similar due to shared small pink clustered flowers and evergreen foliage; Lambkill has narrower leaves and grows in drier acidic soils, while bog laurel prefers wet bog habitats
Rhododendron Rhododendron spp.
Both belong to the Ericaceae family with similar bell-shaped flowers; Lambkill is a small shrub typically under 1m tall, while most rhododendron species grow as larger, taller shrubs
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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.

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