PlantFunFigwort Toxic?
All parts of fresh Ranunculus acris are toxic to common companion and livestock animals due to the irritant compound protoanemonin.
Dried or 2+ month cured silage of the plant is non-toxic, as protoanemonin converts to harmless anemonin over time.
Severe toxicity and death are rare, only occurring if large quantities (2kg+ for horses) are ingested acutely or over 3+ weeks.
FAQ
Is Figwort toxic to Humans?
Oral blistering and irritation, skin rashes on contact, gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea), excessive salivation with ingestion; severe effects only with very large intake (Moderate)
Is Figwort toxic to Cats?
Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, uncoordinated wobbly gait (Moderate)
Is Figwort toxic to Dogs?
Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, uncoordinated wobbly gait (Moderate)
Is Figwort toxic to Horses?
Mild gastroenteritis with small intakes; blistering, mouth/lip swelling, salivation, colic, bloody urine, tremors, seizures, paralysis, rare death from respiratory failure with large/extended intake; mastitis with discolored bitter milk in lactating mares (High)
Toxicity Details
Oral blistering and irritation, skin rashes on contact, gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea), excessive salivation with ingestion; severe effects only with very large intake
Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, uncoordinated wobbly gait
Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, uncoordinated wobbly gait
Mild gastroenteritis with small intakes; blistering, mouth/lip swelling, salivation, colic, bloody urine, tremors, seizures, paralysis, rare death from respiratory failure with large/extended intake; mastitis with discolored bitter milk in lactating mares
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove all remaining plant material from the mouth, skin, or fur of the exposed individual/animal
- • Rinse affected oral tissue or skin thoroughly with cool clean water to reduce irritation
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a licensed medical professional or veterinarian
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of fresh Ranunculus acris by cats, dogs, or horses
- • Presence of symptoms including excessive salivation, persistent vomiting/diarrhea, uncoordinated movement, or seizures
- • Exposure of lactating mares or cows to the plant, to avoid milk contamination and mastitis risk
Prevention
- • Remove Ranunculus acris growth from yards, pastures, and areas accessible to pets and livestock
- • Ensure hay and silage are fully cured for a minimum of 2 months before feeding to eliminate residual toxicity
- • Avoid allowing pets or livestock to graze on areas with heavy buttercup infestations, especially when other forage is scarce
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform appropriate decontamination based on exposure route (oral rinsing, activated charcoal for recent ingestion)
- • Administer mucosal protectants to reduce gastrointestinal tract irritation
- • Provide symptomatic and supportive care, including antihistamines for irritation and fluid therapy for dehydration if needed
Professional Toxicology
• Non-toxic ranunculin naturally present in the plant is converted to the irritant protoanemonin when the plant is wilted or damaged via enzymatic cleavage
• Protoanemonin irritates all exposed mucosal membranes (mouth, gastrointestinal tract, eyes) and skin tissue
• Protoanemonin is unstable and dimerizes to non-toxic anemonin when the plant is fully dried, eliminating toxicity in cured forage
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.