Motherwort Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,272 found this helpful

No confirmed toxic effects of Leonurus cardiaca are documented in peer-reviewed botanical or toxicological research.

The plant is not suitable for use as feed for livestock or companion animals even with no confirmed toxicity.

If accidental ingestion occurs, monitor for unexpected adverse reactions and contact a medical or veterinary professional if symptoms appear.

FAQ

Is Motherwort toxic to Humans?

No confirmed adverse symptoms reported in available literature; monitor for idiopathic allergic reactions or mild gastrointestinal distress if large quantities are ingested. (Non-toxic)

Is Motherwort toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; monitor for unusual behavior, vomiting or diarrhea if the plant is ingested. (Non-toxic)

Is Motherwort toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; monitor for unusual behavior, vomiting or diarrhea if the plant is ingested. (Non-toxic)

Is Motherwort toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; not suitable as regular feed, may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large volumes. (Non-toxic)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed adverse symptoms reported in available literature; monitor for idiopathic allergic reactions or mild gastrointestinal distress if large quantities are ingested.

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; monitor for unusual behavior, vomiting or diarrhea if the plant is ingested.

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; monitor for unusual behavior, vomiting or diarrhea if the plant is ingested.

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; not suitable as regular feed, may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large volumes.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo plant parts are confirmed to be toxic per available literature; the whole plant is not recommended for use as animal feed.

Exposure RouteIngestion is the only expected relevant exposure route for humans and domestic animals.

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic compounds associated with this species are documented in available published literature

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingested by humans or animals, rinse the mouth with clean water to remove remaining plant material.
• Monitor for any signs of gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) for 2-4 hours post-ingestion.
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a medical or veterinary professional.

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet displays persistent vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or unusual behavior after ingesting the plant.
• If a horse consumes large quantities of the plant as part of their regular forage.
• If you suspect your animal has ingested other potentially toxic plants alongside this species.

Prevention

• Do not plant motherwort in areas accessible to grazing livestock or free-roaming companion animals.
• Avoid intentionally feeding this plant to any domestic animal species.
• Properly identify all forage materials before providing to livestock to avoid accidental inclusion of unapproved plant matter.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care is the primary intervention if adverse reactions occur, including fluid therapy for dehydration from gastrointestinal distress.
• Administer antiemetics or antidiarrheals as prescribed by a medical or veterinary professional if needed.
• Screen for concurrent ingestion of other toxic plants if severe, unexplained symptoms are present.

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameLeonurus cardiaca L.

AliasesThrow-wort、Lion's ear、Lion's tail、Löwenschwanz、Herzgespann、Herzheil、Agripaume cardiaque、Cardiaca comune

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific organs are known to be targeted by toxic compounds from this plant

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism of action for this species is documented in available literature

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats): No confirmed toxicity reported; avoid use as regular feed to prevent unforeseen gastrointestinal upset

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No confirmed toxicity reported; intentional feeding of this plant is not recommended

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Sage Salvia officinalis

Both are members of the Lamiaceae family, featuring square stems and opposite leaves. Common sage has shorter, oblong gray-green leaves and a distinct savory aroma, while motherwort has lobed green leaves and clusters of pale pink or purple flowers.

Peppermint Mentha × piperita

Shared Lamiaceae traits include square stems and toothed foliage. Peppermint has a strong minty aroma and small clustered purple flowers, while motherwort lacks a mint scent and has larger, deeply lobed leaves.

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Perilla Mint

Perilla frutescens

Moderate to Severe toxicity for ruminants, horses, and companion animals, linked to respiratory distress and organ damage

European Pennyroyal

Mentha pulegium

Moderate to High toxicity for humans and all domestic animals, can cause liver and kidney failure if ingested in large quantities

Wall Germander

Teucrium chamaedrys

Moderate toxicity for humans and animals, linked to acute liver injury with chronic or high-volume ingestion

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

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.