Umbrella Leaf Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 2,502 found this helpful

Umbrella Leaf contains the toxic compound podophyllin, and is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, panting, and rare coma in exposed animals.

Direct dermal contact with the plant can lead to skin redness and painful, persistent ulcers.

FAQ

Is Umbrella Leaf toxic to Humans?

Gastrointestinal distress, dermal redness and ulcers on contact, potential neurological effects including lethargy in cases of large ingestion (Moderate)

Is Umbrella Leaf toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, panting, rare coma; dermal redness and skin ulcers (Moderate)

Is Umbrella Leaf toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, panting, rare coma; dermal redness and skin ulcers (Moderate)

Is Umbrella Leaf toxic to Horses?

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, panting, rare coma; dermal redness and skin ulcers (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Gastrointestinal distress, dermal redness and ulcers on contact, potential neurological effects including lethargy in cases of large ingestion

Cats

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, panting, rare coma; dermal redness and skin ulcers

Dogs

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, panting, rare coma; dermal redness and skin ulcers

Horses

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, panting, rare coma; dermal redness and skin ulcers

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts, with highest concentrations of toxic compounds found in the roots and unripe fruit

Exposure RouteIngestion of any plant material, direct dermal contact with damaged plant tissue

Toxic CompoundsPodophyllin

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth/skin of the exposed individual immediately
• Rinse affected skin with cool running water for 10+ minutes, or rinse mouth thoroughly if ingested
• Avoid inducing vomiting unless specifically directed to do so by a licensed veterinarian or medical provider
• Monitor for early symptom onset while waiting for professional guidance

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed ingestion of even small amounts of Umbrella Leaf plant material
• Onset of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, panting, or skin lesions after exposure
• Signs of neurological impairment such as disorientation, unsteady gait, or reduced consciousness

Prevention

• Keep potted or wild Umbrella Leaf plants out of reach of pets, livestock, and young children
• Wear waterproof protective gloves when handling this plant to avoid dermal exposure
• Remove wild Umbrella Leaf growth from pet play areas and livestock pastures to eliminate accidental exposure risk

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinary decontamination including activated charcoal administration or gastric lavage for recent ingestions
• Symptomatic supportive care including fluid therapy, anti-emetics, and pain management for affected individuals
• Topical wound care and anti-inflammatory treatment for dermal lesions caused by contact with the plant

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePodophyllum peltatum

AliasesIndian Apple Root、American Mandrake、Wild Lemon、Hog Apple、Duck's Foot、Raccoonberry

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractSkinCentral nervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Podophyllin irritates mucosal and dermal tissue, disrupts cellular division, and may cause central nervous system depression in high doses

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Suspected toxic, with expected symptoms including gastrointestinal distress and dermal irritation similar to those seen in horses

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Ingestion is likely to cause severe gastrointestinal upset and potential neurological harm

Sheep and goats: Toxicity is presumed, with ingestion posing risk of gastrointestinal damage and systemic effects

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Wild Ginger Asarum canadense

Both have large low-growing broad leaves; Wild Ginger has solid heart-shaped leaves and hidden small brown flowers, while Umbrella Leaf has deeply lobed leaves and a single white flower under its leaf canopy

Canadian Waterleaf Hydrophyllum canadense

Features similar broad lobed leaves, but young Waterleaf leaves have distinct light water spots, and it produces clusters of small purple flowers unlike Umbrella Leaf's single under-leaf flower

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Related Toxic Plants

Low to Moderate toxicity

Twinleaf

Jeffersonia diphylla

Moderate toxicity

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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.