Locust Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 4,443 found this helpful

Robinia spp.

Robinia spp. (Locust) is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with all ingestion events carrying serious health risks.

Toxic principles are toxalbumins including phasin, robin, and robitin, concentrated in the plant's bark, leaves, and seeds.

Clinical signs range from gastrointestinal distress to respiratory failure, with death reported in untreated severe cases.

FAQ

Is Locust toxic to Humans?

Limited formal exposure data available, but ingestion is expected to cause gastrointestinal distress, weakness, and respiratory issues similar to symptoms observed in animals. (Low)

Is Locust toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, depression, anorexia, weakness, difficulty breathing, bloody diarrhea, potential fatal outcome (Severe)

Is Locust toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, depression, anorexia, weakness, difficulty breathing, bloody diarrhea, potential fatal outcome (Severe)

Is Locust toxic to Horses?

Vomiting, depression, anorexia, weakness, difficulty breathing, bloody diarrhea, potential fatal outcome (Severe)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Limited formal exposure data available, but ingestion is expected to cause gastrointestinal distress, weakness, and respiratory issues similar to symptoms observed in animals.

Cats

Severe

Vomiting, depression, anorexia, weakness, difficulty breathing, bloody diarrhea, potential fatal outcome

Dogs

Severe

Vomiting, depression, anorexia, weakness, difficulty breathing, bloody diarrhea, potential fatal outcome

Horses

Severe

Vomiting, depression, anorexia, weakness, difficulty breathing, bloody diarrhea, potential fatal outcome

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsBark, leaves, seeds

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion of toxic plant parts; mild skin irritation may occur from sap contact in sensitive individuals.

Toxic Compoundsphasin; robin; robitin

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove remaining plant material from the exposed subject's mouth and rinse the oral cavity with clean water.
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a veterinarian or certified poison control professional.
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification to support targeted treatment planning.

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of any part of a Locust plant, even if no symptoms are yet present.
• Observation of any clinical signs including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or labored breathing after potential exposure.
• If the animal is known to have chewed or consumed bark, leaves, or seeds from a Robinia spp. plant.

Prevention

• Remove all Robinia spp. plants from areas accessible to pets, livestock, and unsupervised young children.
• Educate household members and animal caregivers on how to identify Locust plants to avoid accidental exposure.
• Supervise pets and horses when grazing or walking in areas where wild Locust plants are known to grow.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarians may administer decontamination treatments including activated charcoal to absorb unprocessed residual toxins.
• Supportive care including IV fluid therapy, anti-emetics, and gastrointestinal protectants will be provided to manage symptoms.
• Respiratory support and blood product administration may be required in severe cases with bloody diarrhea or respiratory distress.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameRobinia spp.

AliasesBlack locust、False acacia

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsSevere

DogsSevere

HorsesSevere

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractLiverKidneysRespiratory systemCardiovascular system

Mechanism of Action

• Toxalbumins in the plant inhibit cellular protein synthesis, leading to widespread tissue necrosis and organ damage.

• Gastrointestinal mucosal erosion causes bloody diarrhea, while systemic toxin exposure impairs respiratory and neuromuscular function.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: High toxicity risk; ingestion causes bloody diarrhea, weakness, liver damage, and potential death in severe cases.

Sheep: Moderate toxicity risk; consumption leads to gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and reduced feed intake.

Poultry: Low acute toxicity risk; chronic ingestion may cause reduced growth rates and gastrointestinal irritation.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Honey locust Gleditsia triacanthos

Both have pinnate compound leaves and thorny branches; honey locust has long twisted seed pods with edible pulp, while Robinia spp. has short flat seed pods and toxic plant parts.

Mountain ash Sorbus aucuparia

Both produce clusters of small white spring flowers; Robinia spp. has compound leaves and toxic bark/seeds, while mountain ash has simple leaves and edible berry-like pomes.

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Related Toxic Plants

Mesquite

Prosopis juliflora

Moderate toxicity, causes gastrointestinal distress and neurologic symptoms in grazing livestock

Lead tree

Leucaena leucocephala

High toxicity, causes hair loss, weight loss, and reproductive failure in livestock

Sensitive plant

Mimosa pudica

Low to moderate toxicity, causes gastrointestinal irritation and hair loss if ingested in large quantities

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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