Bitter willow Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 3,181 found this helpful

Salix elaeagnos Scop.

Excessive or chronic consumption of bitter willow increases risk of uncontrolled bleeding due to active salicylate compounds

No confirmed acute toxicity to cats, dogs, or horses is documented in the provided dataset

The species is easily confused with other plants in the Salix genus, which may have varying toxicity profiles

FAQ

Is Bitter willow toxic to Humans?

Increased bleeding risk, prolonged clotting time, and mild gastrointestinal irritation with excessive or chronic intake (Low)

Is Bitter willow toxic to Cats?

No documented specific symptoms available; monitor for unusual bleeding, lethargy, or appetite loss if ingested (Non-toxic)

Is Bitter willow toxic to Dogs?

No documented specific symptoms available; monitor for unusual bleeding, lethargy, or appetite loss if ingested (Non-toxic)

Is Bitter willow toxic to Horses?

No documented specific symptoms available; monitor for unusual bleeding, lethargy, or appetite loss if ingested (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Increased bleeding risk, prolonged clotting time, and mild gastrointestinal irritation with excessive or chronic intake

Cats

Non-toxic

No documented specific symptoms available; monitor for unusual bleeding, lethargy, or appetite loss if ingested

Dogs

Non-toxic

No documented specific symptoms available; monitor for unusual bleeding, lethargy, or appetite loss if ingested

Horses

Non-toxic

No documented specific symptoms available; monitor for unusual bleeding, lethargy, or appetite loss if ingested

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo specific isolated toxic parts are identified; all consumed plant material poses risk if eaten in excessive quantities or on a chronic basis due to bleeding risk

Exposure RouteIngestion (primary exposure route); minor unconfirmed risk from skin contact with broken, sap-rich plant material

Toxic CompoundsSalicin (salicylate precursor, primary compound associated with bleeding risk)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove any remaining plant material from the exposed subject's mouth if ingestion is recent
• Rinse mouth with clean water for human exposure, and prevent further access to the plant for pets/livestock
• Monitor closely for early signs of unusual bleeding, bruising, or abnormal behavior in the first 24 hours post-exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• If ingestion of a large quantity of the plant is confirmed for pets or grazing livestock
• If signs of unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bloody stool, unexplained bruising) appear after exposure
• If the animal exhibits persistent lethargy, loss of appetite, or gastrointestinal distress post-ingestion

Prevention

• Clearly label bitter willow plants in gardens, landscaping, and pastures to avoid accidental ingestion
• Limit access to this plant for household pets and grazing livestock to prevent excessive consumption
• Do not use unprocessed bitter willow as a home remedy for humans or animals without consulting a qualified medical/veterinary professional

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care focused on monitoring blood clotting function and managing active bleeding if it occurs
• Activated charcoal may be administered shortly after large ingestion to reduce absorption of salicylate compounds
• Follow-up care to assess for delayed bleeding complications for 3 to 7 days post-exposure

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSalix elaeagnos Scop.

AliasesOlive willow、Hoary willow、Rosemary willow、Elaeagnus willow

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

Circulatory systemGastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Salicin content in the plant metabolizes to salicylic acid in the body, which inhibits platelet aggregation, leading to increased bleeding risk with prolonged or high intake

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Low risk of adverse effects; bleeding risk only reported with chronic, high-volume grazing

Sheep: No documented severe toxicity; mild gastrointestinal upset possible with large intake

Goats: Very low risk; no severe adverse effects reported from casual grazing of small quantities

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other willow species Salix spp.

Visually similar to other members of the Salix genus; differentiation requires close examination of leaf fuzziness, shape, and catkin structure, and other Salix species may have higher salicylate content and higher toxicity risk

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Related Toxic Plants

Black willow

Salix nigra

Moderate toxicity (high salicylate content, elevated bleeding risk with even moderate intake)

White willow

Salix alba

Low to moderate toxicity (well-documented bleeding risk with excessive or chronic consumption)

Quaking aspen

Populus tremuloides

Low toxicity (mild gastrointestinal irritation and minor bleeding risk with large intake)

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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.

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