Common sorrel Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,684 found this helpful

All parts of common sorrel are toxic, especially the roots, and it remains toxic even when dried for use as fodder

Sheep and horses are the most sensitive to its toxicity, while cattle can develop partial tolerance with gradual low-level exposure

Severe ingestion can cause cardiac arrhythmia, kidney failure, and potentially fatal outcomes in sensitive species

FAQ

Is Common sorrel toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, potentially bloody diarrhea, colic, cardiac arrhythmia, low blood pressure, tremors, paralysis, hematuria or anuria, anemia and wasting in prolonged cases, with possible fatal outcomes (Low)

Is Common sorrel toxic to Cats?

No species-specific toxicity data available; large ingestion is expected to cause gastrointestinal distress, kidney irritation, and neurological symptoms like tremors (Low)

Is Common sorrel toxic to Dogs?

No species-specific toxicity data available; high doses may trigger vomiting, diarrhea, kidney damage, and neurological signs including seizures (Low)

Is Common sorrel toxic to Horses?

Highly sensitive; may present with depression, salivation, tremor, ataxia, dyspnea, recumbency, and risk of fatal complications including aspiration pneumonia (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Vomiting, potentially bloody diarrhea, colic, cardiac arrhythmia, low blood pressure, tremors, paralysis, hematuria or anuria, anemia and wasting in prolonged cases, with possible fatal outcomes

Cats

Low

No species-specific toxicity data available; large ingestion is expected to cause gastrointestinal distress, kidney irritation, and neurological symptoms like tremors

Dogs

Low

No species-specific toxicity data available; high doses may trigger vomiting, diarrhea, kidney damage, and neurological signs including seizures

Horses

Moderate

Highly sensitive; may present with depression, salivation, tremor, ataxia, dyspnea, recumbency, and risk of fatal complications including aspiration pneumonia

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant, particularly the roots

Exposure RouteIngestion of fresh plant material, or dried plant material included in livestock fodder

Toxic CompoundsPotassium oxalate (2-10% content); Free oxalic acid (1% content in leaves); Anthracene derivatives (Physcion, Chrysophanol, Emodin, etc.); Naphthalene derivatives (Nepodin, Neposid, Prientalon, etc.); Tannins; Potentially accumulated nitrates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Stop further ingestion of the plant immediately
• If available, administer oral calcium (e.g., calcium carbonate, calcium gluconate) to bind excess oxalates
• Do not induce vomiting if the affected individual is drowsy, seizing, or unable to swallow
• Contact a medical professional or veterinarian right away for further guidance

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any ingestion of more than a small mouthful by horses, sheep, or small companion animals
• Presence of symptoms including bloody diarrhea, tremors, difficulty breathing, or reduced urine output
• Ingestion by young, pregnant, or immunocompromised animals, or animals with pre-existing kidney disease

Prevention

• Limit common sorrel content in livestock feed to a maximum of 3% to avoid toxic exposure
• Restrict livestock grazing in pastures with dense common sorrel growth, especially for horses and sheep
• Keep potted common sorrel plants out of reach of indoor cats and dogs

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer calcium via gastric tube to precipitate unabsorbed oxalates in the gut
• Perform gastrointestinal decontamination (e.g., activated charcoal) as appropriate for the exposure timeline
• Provide supportive care including pain management, fluid therapy to protect kidney function, and antihistamines if indicated
• Monitor cardiac rhythm and renal function for 24 to 48 hours post-exposure to catch delayed complications

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameRumex acetosa L.

AliasesGarden sorrel、Sorrel、Spinach dock、Narrow-leaved dock

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractKidneysHeartNervous systemCirculatory system

Mechanism of Action

• Oxalates in the plant bind to systemic calcium, causing hypocalcemia and formation of calcium oxalate crystals that damage renal tubules

• Anthracene and naphthalene derivatives irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and contribute to systemic organ damage

• Accumulated nitrates may cause oxygen transport impairment in cases of very high ingestion

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Sheep: Highly sensitive; symptoms include depression, salivation, tremor, ataxia, recumbency, dyspnea, vomiting, and high risk of fatal aspiration pneumonia

Cattle: Low sensitivity if gradually exposed; regular low intake leads to development of oxalate-degrading gut microbes, creating partial tolerance

Goats: Suspected similar sensitivity to sheep, with high risk of kidney damage from high oxalate exposure

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Curly dock Rumex crispus

Shares similar growth habitat and leaf shape; key difference is curly dock has distinct wavy, curled leaf edges, while common sorrel has flatter, arrow-shaped leaves

Broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius

Grows in the same pasture and wild habitats as common sorrel; key difference is broad-leaved dock has wide, rounded leaf blades rather than the narrow, pointed leaves of common sorrel

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Related Toxic Plants

Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum

Moderate to high toxicity (leaves)

Japanese knotweed

Reynoutria japonica

Low to moderate toxicity

Wild buckwheat

Fagopyrum esculentum (wild strains)

Low toxicity, causes photosensitization in high doses

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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.