PlantFunCursed buttercup Toxic?
Toxic protoanemonin forms from non-toxic ranunculin when the plant is wilted, crushed, or damaged
Dried plant material and silage stored for 2+ months is non-toxic as protoanemonin breaks down to harmless anemonin
Severe poisoning only occurs if large quantities (≥2kg for horses) are ingested acutely or over 3+ weeks
FAQ
Is Cursed buttercup toxic to Humans?
Oral blistering, salivation, gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhea), hematuria, tremors, and seizures in severe cases of large ingestion (High)
Is Cursed buttercup toxic to Cats?
No species-specific data recorded; expected to cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested (Moderate)
Is Cursed buttercup toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific data recorded; expected to cause oral mucosal irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset if consumed (Moderate)
Is Cursed buttercup toxic to Horses?
Oral blistering, swelling of mouth/lips with excess salivation, diarrhea, colic, hematuria, tremors, seizures, paralysis, rare death from respiratory failure if large amounts are ingested; may cause udder inflammation and discolored bitter milk in lactating mares (High)
Toxicity Details
Oral blistering, salivation, gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhea), hematuria, tremors, and seizures in severe cases of large ingestion
No species-specific data recorded; expected to cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested
No species-specific data recorded; expected to cause oral mucosal irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset if consumed
Oral blistering, swelling of mouth/lips with excess salivation, diarrhea, colic, hematuria, tremors, seizures, paralysis, rare death from respiratory failure if large amounts are ingested; may cause udder inflammation and 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 the mouth with cool clean water, and wash any exposed skin/fur with mild soap and water
- • Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by a medical or veterinary professional
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Large quantity of plant is ingested (≥2kg for horses, any measurable amount for small pets)
- • Symptoms like oral blistering, severe diarrhea, colic, tremors, or seizures are observed
- • Lactating animals show signs of udder inflammation or produce discolored, bitter milk
Prevention
- • Avoid grazing livestock in areas with dense Cursed buttercup growth, especially when alternative forage is limited
- • Ensure silage is stored for a minimum of 2 months before feeding to eliminate all toxic protoanemonin
- • Keep household pets away from wild or ornamental Cursed buttercup plants in gardens and outdoor areas
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform appropriate decontamination based on exposure route and affected species
- • Administer mucosal protectants to reduce oral and gastrointestinal irritation
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care, including antihistamines if needed for severe irritant reactions
Professional Toxicology
• Intact plants contain non-toxic ranunculin, which is converted to toxic protoanemonin via enzymatic cleavage when the plant is damaged, wilted, or crushed
• Protoanemonin is a strong mucosal and skin irritant; it naturally dimerizes to non-toxic anemonin during drying or extended storage, making processed feed safe
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.