Yellow rattle Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,951 found this helpful

All parts of the plant contain the toxic iridoid glycoside aucubin (rhinanthin), making it mildly toxic.

Aucubin loses its toxic activity in hay, so dried hay containing this plant poses no poisoning risk.

Ingestion may cause inflammatory damage to the digestive tract, central nervous system and kidneys.

FAQ

Is Yellow rattle toxic to Humans?

Gastrointestinal inflammation, digestion inhibition, diarrhea, colic, central nervous system inflammation, kidney inflammation, convulsions, bloody urine (Low)

Is Yellow rattle toxic to Cats?

No specific toxicity data available, potential risk of adverse reactions if ingested (Low)

Is Yellow rattle toxic to Dogs?

No specific toxicity data available, potential risk of adverse reactions if ingested (Low)

Is Yellow rattle toxic to Horses?

No specific toxicity data available, potential risk of adverse reactions if ingested (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Gastrointestinal inflammation, digestion inhibition, diarrhea, colic, central nervous system inflammation, kidney inflammation, convulsions, bloody urine

Cats

Low

No specific toxicity data available, potential risk of adverse reactions if ingested

Dogs

Low

No specific toxicity data available, potential risk of adverse reactions if ingested

Horses

Low

No specific toxicity data available, potential risk of adverse reactions if ingested

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant

Exposure RouteIngestion is the main exposure route; ordinary skin contact does not cause toxic reactions

Toxic CompoundsAucubin (Rhinanthin, iridoid glycoside)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting immediately if the plant was ingested recently to remove unabsorbed residues
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean water
• Monitor for early discomfort symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea

Contact Vet Immediately

• If severe symptoms such as convulsions, bloody urine or persistent colic occur
• If a large amount of the plant was ingested
• If symptoms do not improve after preliminary first aid measures

Prevention

• Avoid grazing livestock in areas with yellow rattle density of 10 plants per square meter or higher
• Do not feed fresh yellow rattle to pets or livestock
• Accurately identify plant species before collecting wild forage

Treatment & Prognosis

• Implement corresponding decontamination measures according to the ingestion situation
• Provide symptomatic supportive therapy for gastrointestinal, nervous system and kidney injuries
• Follow standard clinical emergency treatment guidelines for plant poisoning

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameRhinanthus minor L., Rhinanthus crista-galli L.

AliasesKleiner Klappertopf、Petit rhinanthe、Rhinanthe crête de coq、Cresta di gallo minore

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCentral nervous systemKidneys

Mechanism of Action

• The toxic component aucubin (rhinanthin) triggers inflammatory responses in multiple organ systems after entering the body

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Livestock (cattle, sheep, etc.): When the plant density reaches 10 per square meter, it reduces forage yield; ingestion of large amounts of fresh plants may cause digestive and organ damage, while dried hay containing the plant is non-toxic

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Rhinanthus species Other Rhinanthus spp.

Visually similar to the two recorded Rhinanthus species, sharing features like yellow flowers and rattle-shaped seed pods, with similar toxicity properties

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Related Toxic Plants

Common broomrape

Orobanche minor

Low

Field cow-wheat

Melampyrum arvense

Low

Marsh lousewort

Pedicularis palustris

Moderate

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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.