Sheep sorrel Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 3,611 found this helpful

The entire plant remains toxic even when prepared as dry animal fodder

Sheep and horses are highly sensitive to its toxins, while cattle can develop tolerance with gradual low-level exposure

Severe untreated exposure can cause cardiac abnormalities, kidney failure, and potentially fatal outcomes

FAQ

Is Sheep sorrel toxic to Humans?

Not fully documented; expected symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, kidney irritation, and muscle tremors with large ingestion (Low)

Is Sheep sorrel toxic to Cats?

Limited species-specific data; suspected symptoms include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, and blood in urine after significant ingestion (Unknown)

Is Sheep sorrel toxic to Dogs?

Limited species-specific data; suspected symptoms include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal colic, tremors, and potential kidney damage with large intake (Unknown)

Is Sheep sorrel toxic to Horses?

Depression, excessive salivation, tremors, ataxia, possible recumbency, difficulty breathing, vomiting (high risk of aspiration pneumonia); high sensitivity to oxalate toxicity (Low)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Not fully documented; expected symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, kidney irritation, and muscle tremors with large ingestion

Cats

Unknown

Limited species-specific data; suspected symptoms include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, and blood in urine after significant ingestion

Dogs

Unknown

Limited species-specific data; suspected symptoms include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal colic, tremors, and potential kidney damage with large intake

Horses

Low

Depression, excessive salivation, tremors, ataxia, possible recumbency, difficulty breathing, vomiting (high risk of aspiration pneumonia); high sensitivity to oxalate toxicity

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, including dry processed fodder

Exposure RoutePrimarily ingestion, including consumption of contaminated fresh pasture or dry fodder; no confirmed dermal or inhalation toxicity

Toxic CompoundsPotassium oxalate (2-10% content); Free oxalic acid (~1% in leaves); Physcion; Chrysophanol; Emodin; Nepodin; Neposid; Prientalon; Tannins; Potentially accumulated nitrates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed individual/animal immediately
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a medical or veterinary professional
• Administer calcium-rich fluids (e.g., milk, oral calcium carbonate) if no seizures or convulsions are present to bind oxalates

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed ingestion by horses, sheep, or small companion pets
• Presence of symptoms including bloody diarrhea, tremors, paralysis, difficulty breathing, or blood in urine
• Ingestion of large quantities of the plant even if no initial symptoms are observed

Prevention

• Regularly clear sheep sorrel growth from pastures to avoid accidental consumption by grazing livestock
• Inspect dry fodder supplies to ensure no contamination with toxic dry sheep sorrel
• Keep the plant out of reach of small children and household pets

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer calcium via gastric tube to precipitate ingested oxalates
• Perform appropriate gastrointestinal decontamination as clinically indicated
• Provide symptomatic supportive care including analgesics, fluid therapy to support renal function, and antihistamines if needed
• Closely monitor cardiac and renal function for 24-72 hours post-exposure

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameRumex acetosella L.s.L

AliasesKleiner Sauerampfer (German)、Rumex petite oseille (French)、Rómice acetosella (Italian)

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractKidneysHeartNervous systemRespiratory tractBlood cells

Mechanism of Action

• Oxalates bind to circulating calcium, causing hypocalcemia and forming insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that damage organ tissue

• Anthracene and naphthalene derivatives irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause systemic toxic effects

• Accumulated nitrates may reduce oxygen transport in the bloodstream in severe exposure cases

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Sheep: High sensitivity; symptoms include depression, salivation, tremor, ataxia, recumbency, dyspnea, and vomiting with risk of fatal aspiration pneumonia

Cattle: Gradual low-level exposure supports growth of oxalate-degrading gut microflora in the rumen, leading to partial tolerance of oxalate toxicity

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Rumex species (e.g., common sorrel, curly dock) Rumex spp.

Visually very similar in leaf shape and growth habit; most other Rumex species also contain oxalates and have comparable toxicity, making differentiation difficult for non-experts

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum

Moderate (leaf blades are highly toxic)

Curly dock

Rumex crispus

Low to Moderate

Japanese knotweed

Reynoutria japonica

Low (mild oxalate toxicity)

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

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.