Coolwort Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 1,552 found this helpful

Pilea pumila is verified non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per standard plant toxicology screening.

No severe adverse reactions are expected from accidental ingestion or casual skin contact with this plant.

Veterinary consultation is only recommended if unusual persistent symptoms appear after extreme overconsumption.

FAQ

Is Coolwort toxic to Humans?

No known toxic symptoms from routine exposure; extremely rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur only with intentional large-volume ingestion. (Non-toxic)

Is Coolwort toxic to Cats?

No documented toxic effects; temporary mild loose stool or drooling may occur in rare cases of excessive ingestion. (Non-toxic)

Is Coolwort toxic to Dogs?

No documented toxic effects; temporary mild digestive discomfort may occur in rare cases of very large consumption. (Non-toxic)

Is Coolwort toxic to Horses?

No documented toxic effects; considered a harmless grazing plant even when consumed in small to moderate quantities. (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms from routine exposure; extremely rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur only with intentional large-volume ingestion.

Cats

Non-toxic

No documented toxic effects; temporary mild loose stool or drooling may occur in rare cases of excessive ingestion.

Dogs

Non-toxic

No documented toxic effects; temporary mild digestive discomfort may occur in rare cases of very large consumption.

Horses

Non-toxic

No documented toxic effects; considered a harmless grazing plant even when consumed in small to moderate quantities.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo parts of Pilea pumila are known to be toxic to cats, dogs, or horses

Exposure RouteCommon exposure routes including ingestion, casual skin contact, and pollen inhalation do not trigger toxic effects in confirmed non-toxic species

Toxic CompoundsNo identified toxic secondary metabolites present in concentrations high enough to cause harm to common domestic animals

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant fragments from the animal's mouth and immediate environment to limit further intake
• Wipe the animal's mouth and paws with a soft damp cloth to eliminate residual plant matter
• Monitor the animal for any rare mild digestive upset such as loose stool over the next 2-4 hours

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the animal shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy lasting longer than 6 hours post-exposure
• If the animal ingested an extremely large quantity of the plant combined with other unknown substances
• If the animal has pre-existing severe gastrointestinal sensitivities or known plant allergies

Prevention

• No specific safety measures are required for healthy cats, dogs, and horses around this non-toxic plant
• Keep the plant out of reach of animals with pica or excessive chewing behavior to avoid unnecessary digestive discomfort
• Always confirm plant identity before introducing new foliage into pet or livestock accessible areas

Treatment & Prognosis

• No targeted medical treatment is needed for typical exposure to this non-toxic plant
• Supportive care including access to fresh water and rest is sufficient for rare cases of mild digestive upset
• Follow veterinary guidance if any unusual or persistent symptoms develop after exposure

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePilea pumila

AliasesClearweed、Richweed

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are known to be negatively impacted by toxic effects from this plant

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism of action has been identified for humans, cats, dogs, or horses exposed to Pilea pumila

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Rabbit: No known toxic effects reported; mild digestive upset may occur only with excessive ingestion

Guinea Pig: Classified as non-toxic; safe for casual exposure and small amounts of consumption as supplementary forage

Cattle and Sheep: No documented toxic reactions; considered a harmless, low-nutrient grazing plant in native habitats

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica

Visually similar due to shared serrated ovate leaves and Urticaceae family classification; key difference is stinging nettle has sharp, stinging trichomes on stems and leaves that cause painful skin irritation, while Coolwort has smooth, hairless foliage

Canadian Wood Nettle Laportea canadensis

Shares similar light green leaf shape and native woodland habitat preferences; distinguished by its stinging hairs that cause skin irritation, which are completely absent on Coolwort stems and leaves

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Related Toxic Plants

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Low to Moderate toxicity, causes skin irritation and mild gastrointestinal upset in animals

Gympie-Gympie

Dendrocnide moroides

Severe toxicity, causes extreme long-lasting pain, systemic reactions, and rare fatalities in animals

Tree Nettle

Urtica ferox

High toxicity, causes severe allergic reactions, neurological symptoms, and occasional death in exposed animals

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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.