Ivy-leaf pelargonium Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,992 found this helpful

Detectable toxins are confirmed present in the plant, though no formal animal poisoning cases have been recorded to date

The species is strictly unsuitable to be used as feed for any pets, livestock, or grazing animals

It can be easily confused with other Pelargonium varieties that may have differing confirmed toxicity profiles

FAQ

Is Ivy-leaf pelargonium toxic to Humans?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented in available literature. Mild gastrointestinal distress or skin irritation is possible if large quantities are ingested or plant sap is handled excessively (Low)

Is Ivy-leaf pelargonium toxic to Cats?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented in available literature. Mild gastrointestinal upset is possible if large quantities are ingested (Low)

Is Ivy-leaf pelargonium toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented in available literature. Mild gastrointestinal upset is possible if large quantities are ingested (Low)

Is Ivy-leaf pelargonium toxic to Horses?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented in available literature. Mild gastrointestinal upset or feed refusal is possible if large quantities are ingested (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Cats

Low

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented in available literature. Mild gastrointestinal upset is possible if large quantities are ingested

Dogs

Low

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented in available literature. Mild gastrointestinal upset is possible if large quantities are ingested

Horses

Low

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented in available literature. Mild gastrointestinal upset or feed refusal is possible if large quantities are ingested

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts have tested positive for detectable toxins, though specific toxic components are not fully characterized

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary confirmed exposure risk; unconfirmed risk of mild skin irritation from extended contact with plant sap

Toxic CompoundsSpecific toxic compounds have not been explicitly identified in published peer-reviewed research for this species

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed human or animal if ingestion occurred
• Rinse the mouth/affected skin with clean, cool water to remove residual plant matter
• Monitor exposed individuals for unusual discomfort, digestive distress, or behavioral changes for 24 hours post-exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the animal shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or appetite loss after ingestion
• If a large quantity of the plant was consumed, even if no symptoms are immediately present
• If you are unable to confirm the exact identity of the ingested plant or quantity consumed

Prevention

• Keep Ivy-leaf pelargonium plants out of reach of pets, horses, and other grazing livestock
• Do not discard plant trimmings in areas accessible to free-roaming animals or grazing pastures
• Clearly label ornamental Pelargonium plants to avoid accidental harvesting for animal feed

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care is the primary recommended treatment if adverse symptoms develop, as no specific antidote exists for Pelargonium exposure
• Gastrointestinal decontamination may be administered by a vet if large quantities were ingested recently
• Symptomatic treatment for gastrointestinal distress (e.g., antiemetics, fluid therapy) may be prescribed as needed

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePelargonium peltatum (L.) L'Her.

AliasesIvy geranium、Geranium peltatum L.、Pelargonium lateripes auct.

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

No specific target organs have been identified due to lack of reported poisoning cases; gastrointestinal tract irritation is possible if large quantities are ingested

Mechanism of Action

• Specific toxic mechanism of action has not been documented in published research for this species

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No documented poisoning cases; plant is unsuitable for feed, potential for mild gastrointestinal distress if large quantities are consumed

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No reported adverse events, but ingestion is not recommended due to confirmed presence of uncharacterized toxins

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Pelargonium species Pelargonium spp.

Taxonomically and visually similar to other Pelargonium varieties, which may have varying confirmed toxicity levels and different characterized toxin profiles

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Related Toxic Plants

Scented geranium

Pelargonium graveolens

Low toxicity, may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats and dogs

Wild geranium

Geranium maculatum

Low toxicity, may cause mild digestive upset in horses and small companion animals

Common stork's bill

Erodium cicutarium

Low to moderate toxicity, linked to photosensitization in grazing livestock

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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.