Shamrock Plant Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 1,239 found this helpful

Oxalis spp.

All Oxalis spp. plant parts contain soluble calcium oxalates that are toxic to common domestic animals

Kidney failure is a rare but serious possible outcome for cats and dogs that ingest large quantities of the plant

Early, common signs of ingestion include excessive salivation and tremors in affected animals

FAQ

Is Shamrock Plant toxic to Humans?

No confirmed formal toxicity data for humans; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with large ingestion (Low)

Is Shamrock Plant toxic to Cats?

Tremors, excessive salivation, rare kidney failure (Moderate)

Is Shamrock Plant toxic to Dogs?

Tremors, excessive salivation, rare kidney failure (Moderate)

Is Shamrock Plant toxic to Horses?

Tremors, excessive salivation, elevated kidney damage risk with repeated or large ingestion (Moderate)

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

Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No confirmed formal toxicity data for humans; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with large ingestion

Cats

Moderate

Tremors, excessive salivation, rare kidney failure

Dogs

Moderate

Tremors, excessive salivation, rare kidney failure

Horses

Moderate

Tremors, excessive salivation, elevated kidney damage risk with repeated or large ingestion

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts (leaves, stems, flowers, roots) contain toxic compounds

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; mild skin irritation may occur in sensitive individuals with extended contact

Toxic CompoundsSoluble calcium oxalates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the exposed subject's mouth and rinse thoroughly with clean water
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a medical professional or veterinarian
• Monitor closely for the onset of salivation, tremors, lethargy or unusual behavior

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the animal has ingested more than a small bite of the plant
• If any clinical signs (salivation, tremors, lethargy, loss of appetite) appear after exposure
• If the exposed animal is a juvenile, senior, or has pre-existing kidney conditions

Prevention

• Keep Oxalis spp. houseplants out of reach of pets, and remove wild Oxalis growth from horse grazing pastures
• Label all household plants clearly to avoid accidental ingestion by pets or young children
• Educate household members and farm staff on the visual identification of toxic Oxalis variants

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinary supportive care includes fluid therapy to reduce kidney damage risk
• Symptomatic care to control tremors, salivation and gastrointestinal distress if present
• Kidney function monitoring for 24-48 hours post-ingestion for high-risk cases

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameOxalis spp.

AliasesGood Luck Plant、Sorrel

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

KidneysDigestive tractNervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Soluble calcium oxalates bind to circulating calcium in the body, leading to mineral crystal buildup in kidneys and disruption of normal cellular function in affected tissues

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Moderate risk of kidney damage and mineral deficiency with repeated grazing on large quantities of wild Oxalis

Sheep: Low to moderate toxicity risk, gastrointestinal upset and excessive salivation are common post-ingestion

Domestic Rabbits: Low toxicity risk, mild digestive distress and soft stool are expected only with large ingestions

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

White Clover Trifolium repens

Visually similar due to iconic three-lobed leaf structure; key difference: Oxalis leaves have distinct heart-shaped lobes with notched edges, while clover leaves have rounded, smooth edges

Four-leaf Clover Trifolium repens (variant)

Confused due to shared 'good luck' cultural association; Oxalis has thinner, more delicate, translucent leaves than thicker, opaque clover foliage

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Common Yellow Oxalis

Oxalis stricta

Moderate toxicity

Creeping Wood Sorrel

Oxalis corniculata

Low to Moderate toxicity

False Shamrock

Oxalis triangularis

Moderate toxicity

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. 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.

View Full Plant Wiki