PlantFunWood sorrel Toxic?
All parts of the plant are toxic, with leaves containing 0.3-1.25% oxalic acid and oxalates
Ingestion of large volumes can trigger gastrointestinal distress, muscle cramps, and heart arrhythmia
Calcium administration is the first-line treatment to precipitate harmful oxalates in the body
FAQ
Is Wood sorrel toxic to Humans?
No species-specific data documented; large ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset, muscle cramping, and abnormal heart rhythm (Moderate)
Is Wood sorrel toxic to Cats?
No species-specific clinical data available; oxalate exposure may cause oral irritation, vomiting, or diarrhea in large doses (Low)
Is Wood sorrel toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific clinical data available; oxalate exposure may cause oral irritation, vomiting, or diarrhea in large doses (Low)
Is Wood sorrel toxic to Horses?
No species-specific clinical data available; oxalate exposure may cause gastrointestinal distress and hypocalcemia in large doses (Low)
Toxicity Details
No species-specific data documented; large ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset, muscle cramping, and abnormal heart rhythm
No species-specific clinical data available; oxalate exposure may cause oral irritation, vomiting, or diarrhea in large doses
No species-specific clinical data available; oxalate exposure may cause oral irritation, vomiting, or diarrhea in large doses
No species-specific clinical data available; oxalate exposure may cause gastrointestinal distress and hypocalcemia in large doses
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a medical or veterinary professional
- • Administer calcium-rich substances (e.g. milk, calcium carbonate) if safe to do so to bind oxalates
- • Collect remaining plant material for formal identification to guide treatment
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Large quantities of the plant have been ingested
- • Patient exhibits vomiting, diarrhea, muscle spasms, or abnormal heart rate
- • Symptoms persist for more than 2 hours after exposure
Prevention
- • Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets
- • Avoid foraging this plant for consumption, as it may be confused with non-toxic edible species
- • Educate foragers on the distinct 3-leaf clover-like morphology and toxicity of wood sorrel
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer calcium via gastric tube to precipitate ingested oxalates
- • Perform appropriate gastrointestinal decontamination based on exposure timeline
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care including fluid therapy and antiarrhythmics if required
Professional Toxicology
• Soluble oxalates bind to systemic calcium, causing acute hypocalcemia
• Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals form and cause damage to soft tissues and organ linings
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.