Bog Laurel Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 2,104 found this helpful

Kalmia poliifolia

Bog Laurel is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA data

Grayanotoxin is the primary toxic compound that disrupts nerve and cardiac function

Ingestion carries risk of life-threatening cardiac failure even in small quantities

FAQ

Is Bog Laurel toxic to Humans?

No confirmed ASPCA human toxicity data available; related grayanotoxin-containing plants can cause vomiting, dizziness, and cardiac arrhythmia if ingested (Low)

Is Bog Laurel toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, potential cardiac arrhythmia and failure (High)

Is Bog Laurel toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, potential cardiac arrhythmia and failure (High)

Is Bog Laurel toxic to Horses?

Diarrhea, weakness, potential cardiac arrhythmia and failure (vomiting does not occur in horses) (High)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No confirmed ASPCA human toxicity data available; related grayanotoxin-containing plants can cause vomiting, dizziness, and cardiac arrhythmia if ingested

Cats

High

Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, potential cardiac arrhythmia and failure

Dogs

High

Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, potential cardiac arrhythmia and failure

Horses

High

Diarrhea, weakness, potential cardiac arrhythmia and failure (vomiting does not occur in horses)

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts (leaves, flowers, stems, nectar) are toxic, even in small doses

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure is via accidental ingestion; honey made from its nectar is also a potential exposure source

Toxic CompoundsGrayanotoxin

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove remaining plant material from the animal's mouth immediately and block further access to the plant
• Induce vomiting only for conscious cats/dogs if ingestion occurred within the last 10 minutes; never induce vomiting in horses
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification by veterinary staff

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected Bog Laurel ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet
• Observation of vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or abnormal heart rate in animals that may have accessed the plant
• Signs of cardiac distress including collapse, labored breathing, or lethargy

Prevention

• Remove all Bog Laurel plants from pet-accessible yards and horse grazing pastures
• Train pet owners and livestock handlers to identify the plant to avoid accidental exposure
• Avoid feeding unknown forage or garden trimmings to cats, dogs, or horses

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarian-administered decontamination (activated charcoal, gastric lavage for eligible recent ingestions)
• Supportive care including fluid therapy and continuous cardiac monitoring to manage symptoms
• Targeted medication to address cardiac arrhythmias or cardiovascular failure if they develop

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameKalmia poliifolia

AliasesPale Laurel、Bog Kalmia

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsHigh

DogsHigh

HorsesHigh

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCardiovascular systemNervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Grayanotoxin binds to and modifies sodium channels in cell membranes, disrupting normal nerve and muscle function including cardiac muscle contraction

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Suspected toxic; grayanotoxin ingestion is expected to cause gastrointestinal distress, weakness, and cardiac failure consistent with equine symptoms

Sheep: Confirmed toxic for related Kalmia species; ingestion may lead to lethargy, diarrhea, and sudden death from cardiac arrest

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Bog Rosemary Andromeda polifolia

Both are low-growing evergreen wetland shrubs with pale pink flowers; Bog Rosemary has narrow, needle-like leaves while Bog Laurel has broader oval leaves

Labrador Tea Rhododendron groenlandicum

Both grow in the same bog habitats and have leathery evergreen leaves; Labrador Tea leaves have a distinct fuzzy rust-colored underside absent on Bog Laurel

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Related Toxic Plants

Azalea

Rhododendron indicum

Moderate to High toxicity

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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.

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