Large-leaved lupine Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 4,586 found this helpful

All plant parts are toxic, especially seeds and pods; alkaloids remain active in dried forage and are not destroyed by drying or storage.

Consumption during 38-70 days of gestation in ruminants causes teratogenic effects including limb/spinal deformities and cleft palate in offspring.

Toxicity varies by cultivar: sweet lupines are moderately toxic, bitter/fungus-infected plants are highly toxic, and birds face severe toxicity risk.

FAQ

Is Large-leaved lupine toxic to Humans?

No specific clinical symptom data for humans is available in the referenced dataset. Seek immediate medical attention if ingestion is suspected. (Moderate)

Is Large-leaved lupine toxic to Cats?

No specific clinical symptom data for cats is available in the referenced dataset. Seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion is suspected. (Low)

Is Large-leaved lupine toxic to Dogs?

No specific clinical symptom data for dogs is available in the referenced dataset. Seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion is suspected. (Low)

Is Large-leaved lupine toxic to Horses?

No specific clinical symptom data for horses is available in the referenced dataset. Seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion is suspected. (Low)

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

Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

No specific clinical symptom data for humans is available in the referenced dataset. Seek immediate medical attention if ingestion is suspected.

Cats

Low

No specific clinical symptom data for cats is available in the referenced dataset. Seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.

Dogs

Low

No specific clinical symptom data for dogs is available in the referenced dataset. Seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.

Horses

Low

No specific clinical symptom data for horses is available in the referenced dataset. Seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant, particularly seeds and pods. Alkaloid toxicity remains active in dried forage; some cultivars are bred to be free of the teratogenic compound anagyrine, while others have high alkaloid levels.

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route, as the plant may be consumed accidentally by humans or as forage by livestock/pets.

Toxic CompoundsQuinolizidine alkaloids (lupanine, lupinine, 13α-hydroxylupanine, sparteine, anagyrine, baptifoline, cytisine, N-methylcytisine, thermopsine); Piperidine alkaloids (ammodendrine, N-acetylhystrine, N-methylammodendrine); Gramine (indole alkaloid); Mycotoxins (from fungal infection)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingestion is observed within 1 hour, induce vomiting only if explicitly directed by a medical/veterinary professional.
• Withhold all additional food or supplements unless advised by a care provider to avoid worsening symptoms.
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification to guide targeted treatment.

Contact Vet Immediately

• Ingestion of any part of the plant is confirmed or suspected, especially for pregnant animals or juvenile individuals.
• Abnormal posture, limb stiffness, neurological changes, or difficulty eating are observed after potential exposure.
• Exposure is confirmed in bird species, as they face severe, potentially fatal toxicity risk.

Prevention

• Avoid planting large-leaved lupine in areas accessible to pets, livestock, or young children.
• Test forage supplies for lupine alkaloid content before feeding to livestock, especially pregnant ruminants.
• Remove wild-growing lupine plants from pastures and grazing areas to reduce accidental consumption risk.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform gastrointestinal decontamination (e.g., activated charcoal administration) as appropriate for the exposure timeline.
• Provide supportive symptomatic care targeted at observed symptoms, including neurological support and corrective care for mild limb contractures in newborn livestock where applicable.
• Monitor pregnant animals that have ingested the plant closely for gestational abnormalities, and screen offspring for birth defects.

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameLupinus polyphyllus Lindl.

AliasesBig-leaved lupine、Garden lupine、Bigleaf lupine、Largeleaf lupine、Many-leaved lupine、Washington lupine、Vielblättrige Lupine、Vielblättrige Wolfsbohne、Stauden-Lupine、Lupin à folioles nombreuses、Lupin polyphylle、Lupin des jardins、Lupino fogliuto

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Nervous systemReproductive systemPlacentaFetal musculoskeletal system

Mechanism of Action

• Quinolizidine and piperidine alkaloids act on the nervous system, causing acute neurological toxicity (lupinism) in susceptible species.

• Alkaloids such as anagyrine cross the placental barrier during mid-gestation, disrupting fetal development and causing teratogenic effects.

• Toxic alkaloids are excreted in the milk of exposed dams, posing secondary exposure risk to nursing young.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, goats: Moderate to high toxicity; consumption between 38-70 days of gestation causes teratogenic effects (spinal/limb deformities, cleft palate, 'crooked calf disease') in offspring. Acute neurological illness (lupinism) may occur with high alkaloid intake.

Birds: Severe toxicity; ingestion can cause rapid adverse effects and potentially fatal outcomes.

Nursing young livestock: Secondary exposure risk, as toxic alkaloids remain active in the milk of exposed dams.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other lupine species Lupinus spp.

Visually similar to other members of the Lupinus genus, many of which share nearly identical toxic alkaloid profiles. Key differentiators include leaf count, flower color, and growth habit, requiring expert identification for precise classification.

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Golden chain tree

Laburnum anagyroides

Highly toxic; contains cytisine alkaloid that causes severe neurological and gastrointestinal effects, potentially fatal if ingested in large quantities.

Black locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Highly toxic; all parts contain robin and robitin toxins that cause severe gastrointestinal distress, neurological damage, and organ failure in severe cases.

Chinese wisteria

Wisteria sinensis

Moderately toxic; seeds and pods contain lectins that cause gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.

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.