Tree Tobacco Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,716 found this helpful

Nicotiana glauca contains toxic nicotine and is confirmed poisonous to cats, dogs, and horses

Ingestion causes neurological symptoms ranging from overexcitement to paralysis, and may lead to death

Immediate veterinary intervention is critical if any exposure to this plant is suspected

FAQ

Is Tree Tobacco toxic to Humans?

No species-specific data provided; general nicotine ingestion may cause nausea, rapid heart rate, dizziness, and neurological impairment (Moderate)

Is Tree Tobacco toxic to Cats?

Hyperexcitability followed by depression, vomiting, incoordination, paralysis, possible death (High)

Is Tree Tobacco toxic to Dogs?

Hyperexcitability followed by depression, vomiting, incoordination, paralysis, possible death (High)

Is Tree Tobacco toxic to Horses?

Hyperexcitability followed by depression, vomiting, incoordination, paralysis, possible death (High)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

No species-specific data provided; general nicotine ingestion may cause nausea, rapid heart rate, dizziness, and neurological impairment

Cats

High

Hyperexcitability followed by depression, vomiting, incoordination, paralysis, possible death

Dogs

High

Hyperexcitability followed by depression, vomiting, incoordination, paralysis, possible death

Horses

High

Hyperexcitability followed by depression, vomiting, incoordination, paralysis, possible death

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts, particularly leaves and stems, are toxic

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; dermal contact with large quantities may cause mild toxic effects

Toxic CompoundsNicotine

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the exposed animal's mouth immediately
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a veterinary professional
• Record the estimated quantity of plant ingested and time of exposure for veterinary staff

Contact Vet Immediately

• If you confirm your animal has ingested any part of Tree Tobacco
• If symptoms like hyperexcitability, vomiting, or uncoordinated movement develop after potential exposure
• If your animal has had contact with the plant even if no symptoms have appeared yet

Prevention

• Remove all Tree Tobacco plants from areas accessible to pets, livestock, and children
• Educate household and farm staff to identify this plant and avoid exposing animals to it
• Never use Tree Tobacco cuttings as animal bedding, forage, or enrichment material

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinary decontamination via activated charcoal to reduce nicotine absorption
• Supportive care to stabilize respiratory, cardiac, and neurological function
• IV fluid administration and targeted medication to manage seizures, paralysis, or abnormal heart rhythm as needed

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameNicotiana glauca

AliasesNicotania、Tobacco、Mustard Tree

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsHigh

DogsHigh

HorsesHigh

Target Organs

Nervous systemGastrointestinal tractRespiratory systemCardiovascular system

Mechanism of Action

• Nicotine acts as a neurotoxin that binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the nervous system

• Initial overstimulation of receptors leads to hyperexcitability, followed by receptor blocking and paralysis

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Susceptible to nicotine toxicity from ingestion, with symptoms including incoordination, respiratory distress, and fatal outcomes reported

Sheep: Toxicity risk similar to cattle; even moderate ingestion can lead to paralysis and death without treatment

Small birds: Very high susceptibility, small ingestion amounts may cause rapid neurological failure and death

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Cultivated Tobacco Nicotiana tabacum

Both are Nicotiana genus plants with similar broad leaf morphology; Common Tobacco is shorter and cultivated for commercial use, while Tree Tobacco grows as a tall woody shrub or small tree

True Mustard Tree Salvadora persica

Tree Tobacco is often colloquially called Mustard Tree; True Mustard Tree has small fleshy leaves and edible fruit, unlike the large toxic leaves of Tree Tobacco

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Related Toxic Plants

Deadly Nightshade

Atropa belladonna

Severe toxicity, potentially fatal even in small ingestion amounts

Jimsonweed

Datura stramonium

High toxicity, causes severe delirium, organ damage, and potential death

Green Potato Sprouts

Solanum tuberosum

Moderate toxicity, causes gastrointestinal distress and neurological impairment when ingested

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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.