Solomon's seal Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 951 found this helpful

All plant parts are toxic, with berries presenting the highest poisoning risk

Ingestion leads to gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal colic

Berries are easily confused with edible blueberries due to overlapping ripening periods

FAQ

Is Solomon's seal toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal colic (Moderate)

Is Solomon's seal toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal colic, lethargy (Moderate)

Is Solomon's seal toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal colic, lethargy (Moderate)

Is Solomon's seal toxic to Horses?

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal colic, reduced appetite (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal colic

Cats

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal colic, lethargy

Dogs

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal colic, lethargy

Horses

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal colic, reduced appetite

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, especially the berries

Exposure RouteIngestion (primary route, accidental consumption of plant foliage or berries)

Toxic CompoundsSteroid saponins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly to remove any remaining plant material
• Induce vomiting only if ingestion occurred within 15 minutes and the affected individual is fully conscious
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for formal identification

Contact Vet Immediately

• If vomiting, diarrhea, or colic develop after ingestion
• If a large quantity of the plant or berries was consumed
• If the affected individual is a young child, small pet, or foal

Prevention

• Do not forage wild berries unless you can definitively distinguish Solomon's seal berries from edible blueberries
• Keep ornamental Solomon's seal plants out of reach of pets and young children
• Educate foragers on the visual characteristics of toxic Polygonatum species

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer decontamination measures such as activated charcoal as directed by a medical or veterinary professional
• Provide symptomatic care including fluid replacement and pain management for colic symptoms
• Monitor for signs of severe gastrointestinal distress for 24 to 48 hours post-ingestion

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePolygonatum multiflorum (L.) All.

AliasesGreater Solomon's seal、European Solomon's seal

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Steroid saponins irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing inflammation and triggering gastrointestinal distress symptoms

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats): Ingestion may cause similar gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and colic, especially if large quantities of plant material are consumed

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Small body size increases risk of severe gastrointestinal distress even after consumption of small amounts of berries or plant matter

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common blueberry Vaccinium myrtillus

Confusable due to overlapping berry ripening periods; blueberries are edible, while Solomon's seal berries are toxic

Other Solomon's seal species Polygonatum spp.

Other species in the Polygonatum genus are also toxic and visually similar to Polygonatum multiflorum

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Related Toxic Plants

Lily of the valley

Convallaria majalis

Severely toxic

Asparagus fern

Asparagus setaceus

Low to moderately toxic

Adam's needle yucca

Yucca filamentosa

Moderately toxic

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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.