PlantFunFly Honeysuckle Toxic?
Toxic components including xylostein, saponins, and cyanogenic glycosides are present in all parts of the plant, especially leaves and berries.
Mild exposures cause gastrointestinal distress, while large ingestions can lead to seizures, cardiovascular dysfunction, and hyperthermia.
Immediate decontamination and symptomatic supportive care are required for all confirmed exposures to avoid severe complications.
FAQ
Is Fly Honeysuckle toxic to Humans?
Colic, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia; large ingestions may cause apathy, cardiovascular dysfunction, hyperthermia, and seizures (Moderate)
Is Fly Honeysuckle toxic to Cats?
No species-specific data available; expected to cause similar symptoms to humans including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential seizures with large ingestions (Moderate)
Is Fly Honeysuckle toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific data available; expected to cause similar symptoms to humans including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tachycardia following ingestion (Moderate)
Is Fly Honeysuckle toxic to Horses?
No species-specific data available; expected to cause colic, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, and neurological symptoms with large exposures (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
Colic, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia; large ingestions may cause apathy, cardiovascular dysfunction, hyperthermia, and seizures
No species-specific data available; expected to cause similar symptoms to humans including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential seizures with large ingestions
No species-specific data available; expected to cause similar symptoms to humans including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tachycardia following ingestion
No species-specific data available; expected to cause colic, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, and neurological symptoms with large exposures
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Induce vomiting only if ingestion occurred within 10 minutes and the affected individual is conscious, not seizing, and able to swallow safely
- • Administer activated charcoal to absorb remaining unprocessed toxins if no contraindications exist
- • Rinse the mouth thoroughly to remove all residual plant material, and monitor for early symptom development
Contact Vet Immediately
- • If any symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, rapid breathing) develop after confirmed or suspected ingestion
- • If a small child, cat, or small dog ingests more than 1 leaf or 2 berries
- • If the exposed individual experiences seizures, disorientation, or abnormal heart rate post-exposure
Prevention
- • Avoid planting fly honeysuckle in areas accessible to young children, pets, or grazing livestock
- • Educate foragers to distinguish fly honeysuckle from edible Lonicera species (e.g. honeyberries) before consuming wild berries
- • Rake up and dispose of fallen berries regularly to reduce accidental exposure risk for pets and small children
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform gastrointestinal decontamination via emesis or gastric lavage for recent, non-severe ingestions
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care including antiemetics for vomiting, IV fluid therapy to prevent dehydration, and anti-seizure medication as needed
- • Monitor cardiovascular function and body temperature continuously for 24-48 hours post-exposure to catch and address complications early
Professional Toxicology
• Xylostein and saponins irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Cyanogenic glycosides release small amounts of cyanide during metabolism, contributing to cardiovascular and neurological dysfunction in large exposures
• Trace alkaloids disrupt normal cardiac rhythm, causing tachycardia and potential cardiovascular collapse in severe cases
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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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.