Blackthorn Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 1,772 found this helpful

All plant parts except ripe berry flesh contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides prunasin and amygdalin.

Ruminants are far more sensitive to toxicity than monogastric animals, with risk of rapid sudden death in severe cases.

Acute cyanide intoxication often requires immediate emergency care, as treatment delays are frequently fatal.

FAQ

Is Blackthorn toxic to Humans?

Typically only mild gastrointestinal symptoms including salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea; severe cyanide poisoning is extremely rare, limited to massive ingestion of toxic parts. (Low)

Is Blackthorn toxic to Cats?

Mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms including salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea after ingestion of toxic plant material; severe poisoning is very rare. (Low)

Is Blackthorn toxic to Dogs?

Mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms including salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea after ingestion of toxic plant material; severe poisoning is very rare. (Low)

Is Blackthorn toxic to Horses?

Mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms including salivation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea after ingestion of toxic plant material; severe poisoning is very rare. (Low)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Typically only mild gastrointestinal symptoms including salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea; severe cyanide poisoning is extremely rare, limited to massive ingestion of toxic parts.

Cats

Low

Mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms including salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea after ingestion of toxic plant material; severe poisoning is very rare.

Dogs

Low

Mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms including salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea after ingestion of toxic plant material; severe poisoning is very rare.

Horses

Low

Mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms including salivation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea after ingestion of toxic plant material; severe poisoning is very rare.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant excluding ripe berry flesh

Exposure RouteIngestion of toxic plant components (bark, seeds, fresh leaves, unripe fruit)

Toxic CompoundsPrunasin; Amygdalin

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining Blackthorn plant material from the affected individual's mouth immediately.
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a doctor or veterinarian.
• Keep the affected individual calm and restrict movement to reduce oxygen demand.

Contact Vet Immediately

• Confirmed or suspected ingestion of toxic Blackthorn parts (bark, seeds, leaves, unripe fruit) by pets or livestock.
• Onset of any symptoms including salivation, difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures, or disorientation.
• Ingestion of unknown or large quantities of Blackthorn plant material.

Prevention

• Restrict pet and livestock access to areas with abundant Blackthorn growth.
• Clearly label home-planted Blackthorn shrubs to avoid accidental ingestion by humans or animals.
• Only consume fully ripe Blackthorn berries, discard all seeds, leaves, and bark before eating or processing.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer ventilation with a 95% oxygen / 5% carbon dioxide mixture if respiratory distress is present.
• Intravenous administration of 1% sodium nitrite solution at 20-25 mg/kg body weight, followed by 25% sodium thiosulfate solution at 0.5-1.25 g/kg body weight.
• Repeat half the dose of both medications if symptoms persist, as directed by a licensed veterinarian.

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePrunus spinosa L.

AliasesSloe、Schwarzdorn、Schlehdorn、Epine noire、Prugnolo、Pruno selvatico

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractRespiratory systemCentral nervous systemCardiovascular system

Mechanism of Action

• Cyanogenic glycosides in the plant are hydrolyzed after ingestion to release hydrogen cyanide, which blocks cellular oxygen uptake.

• Hydrolyzing enzymes are inhibited in the acidic gastric environment of monogastric animals, reducing cyanide release compared to ruminants with neutral rumen pH.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, deer): High sensitivity to toxicity, symptoms include salivation, dyspnea, bloat, unsteadiness, inability to stand, convulsions, bright red blood and mucus membranes, spasms, paralysis; severe cases can cause sudden death within seconds with no prior symptoms.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Wild Cherry Prunus avium

Both belong to the Rosaceae family and Prunus genus, with similar white spring flowers and small dark berries; Blackthorn has prominent sharp thorns and smaller, more serrated leaves than wild cherry.

Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna

Both are thorny Rosaceae shrubs with white flowers and dark autumn berries; Hawthorn berries contain 1 large hard seed, while Blackthorn berries contain 2-3 smaller seeds and very tart flesh.

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus

Common Apricot (seeds, leaves, bark)

Prunus armeniaca

Moderate to High toxicity

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

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.