Common tormentil Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 1,202 found this helpful

No confirmed toxicity reports exist for common tormentil in humans, cats, dogs, or horses, so it is classified as non-toxic.

High tannin content in all plant tissues may cause mild constipation or gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities.

It can be confused with toxic Ranunculus (buttercup) species, so accurate identification is critical to avoid accidental poisoning.

FAQ

Is Common tormentil toxic to Humans?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; excessive consumption may cause mild constipation or abdominal discomfort. (Non-toxic)

Is Common tormentil toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; excessive consumption may cause mild digestive upset or constipation. (Non-toxic)

Is Common tormentil toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; excessive consumption may cause mild digestive upset or constipation. (Non-toxic)

Is Common tormentil toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; excessive consumption may cause mild digestive upset, constipation, or reduced feed intake. (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; excessive consumption may cause mild constipation or abdominal discomfort.

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; excessive consumption may cause mild digestive upset or constipation.

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; excessive consumption may cause mild digestive upset or constipation.

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; excessive consumption may cause mild digestive upset, constipation, or reduced feed intake.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts identified; all plant parts are presumed non-toxic, with high tannin levels present across all tissues.

Exposure RouteIngestion (primary route, via grazing, accidental foraging, or consumption of misidentified plant material)

Toxic CompoundsTannins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the affected human or animal
• Offer small amounts of fresh water to reduce gastrointestinal irritation from tannins
• Monitor for signs of abdominal discomfort or constipation for the first 24 hours post-consumption

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the affected animal shows persistent constipation, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite lasting over 24 hours
• If you suspect the consumed plant was a toxic Ranunculus species rather than common tormentil
• If a large quantity of the plant was consumed by a small pet, young child, or underweight livestock

Prevention

• Properly identify common tormentil and its toxic lookalikes before foraging or turning livestock out to graze in affected areas
• Remove toxic Ranunculus species from pastures to eliminate risk of accidental misconsumption
• Store all foraged plant materials in labeled containers out of reach of pets and small children

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care including extra fluids and a high-fiber diet to relieve constipation caused by high tannin intake
• If the plant was misidentified as a toxic Ranunculus species, follow appropriate poisoning treatment protocols as directed by a medical professional or veterinarian
• No specific antidote is required, as no confirmed toxic effects are associated with consumption of this plant

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePotentilla erecta (L.) Räuschel; syn. Potentilla tormentilla Necker

AliasesBloodroot、Erect cinquefoil、Potentilla、Septfoil、Shepherd's knot、Tormentil

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• High tannin content produces astringent effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa, which can lead to temporary constipation if large quantities are consumed; no toxic mechanisms have been documented for this species

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Low risk, excessive grazing may cause constipation and reduced feed intake due to high tannin content

Sheep: Low risk, mild gastrointestinal upset may occur if large quantities of the plant are consumed

Goats: Low risk, goats typically avoid consuming large amounts of this plant due to its high tannin content and bitter taste

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Potentilla species Potentilla spp.

Visually similar to common tormentil, all Potentilla species are non-toxic, so no safety risk if misidentified

Buttercup species Ranunculus spp.

Similar yellow-flowering plants that range from weakly to highly toxic; key distinguishing feature is Ranunculus has shiny, waxy petals while tormentil petals are matte

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Related Toxic Plants

Cherry laurel

Prunus laurocerasus

Highly toxic, contains cyanogenic glycosides that can cause fatal cyanide poisoning

Black cherry

Prunus serotina

Highly toxic, wilted leaves contain high concentrations of cyanide compounds dangerous to all grazing animals

Bitter almond

Prunus dulcis var. amara

Severely toxic, contains amygdalin that breaks down into cyanide when ingested

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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.