Basket willow Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,778 found this helpful

Avoid excess or chronic consumption of basket willow, as this significantly raises bleeding risk

Keep all parts of the plant away from cats, who are highly sensitive to its salicylate compounds

Seek immediate medical or veterinary care if accidental overconsumption is suspected in humans or animals

FAQ

Is Basket willow toxic to Humans?

Stomach upset, nausea, increased bleeding tendency, dizziness with excess or long-term use (Low)

Is Basket willow toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, seizures, potential organ failure even from small doses (Moderate)

Is Basket willow toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bleeding disorders, lethargy after moderate consumption (Low)

Is Basket willow toxic to Horses?

Gastrointestinal irritation, increased bleeding risk, reduced appetite, lethargy with excess intake (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Stomach upset, nausea, increased bleeding tendency, dizziness with excess or long-term use

Cats

Moderate

Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, seizures, potential organ failure even from small doses

Dogs

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bleeding disorders, lethargy after moderate consumption

Horses

Low

Gastrointestinal irritation, increased bleeding risk, reduced appetite, lethargy with excess intake

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts (especially bark) are only toxic if consumed in large excess or chronically, with no inherent acute toxicity at low doses

Exposure RouteOral ingestion is the primary harmful exposure route; casual skin contact poses no risk

Toxic CompoundsSalicin; Salicylic acid derivatives

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting only if ingestion occurred within 10 minutes and the affected individual is conscious
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly to remove remaining plant material
• Document the approximate quantity consumed to share with medical or veterinary staff

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your cat has ingested any amount of basket willow
• If your dog or horse has ingested more than a small bite of the plant
• If any poisoning symptoms appear after exposure to the plant

Prevention

• Keep basket willow craft materials and raw plant parts out of reach of children and pets
• Avoid foraging basket willow for medicinal use without guidance from a qualified herbalist
• Label garden-planted or potted basket willow to prevent accidental ingestion

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer activated charcoal to absorb remaining toxins as directed by a medical professional
• Provide supportive care including fluid therapy and bleeding control if needed
• Monitor for signs of internal bleeding for 24-48 hours post exposure

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSalix viminalis L.

AliasesCommon osier、Osier、Osier willow、Korb-Weide、Hanf-Weide、Bandweide、Elbweide、Saule des vanniers、Osier blanc、Osier vert、Saule viminal、Salice da vimini、Vimine、Vetrice

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsModerate

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractBlood clotting systemLiverKidneysCentral nervous system (severe cases)

Mechanism of Action

• Salicylic acid derivatives interfere with blood clotting function, increasing bleeding risk

• Salicylates build up quickly in cats' systems due to their limited ability to metabolize these compounds

• Chronic exposure irritates and damages gastrointestinal mucous membranes

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Low risk, only causes mild gastrointestinal upset if large volumes are consumed

Sheep: Very low toxicity, no severe adverse effects reported even after moderate intake

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

White willow Salix alba

Visually nearly identical to basket willow with similar long, narrow leaves and growth habit; both have equivalent salicylate content and toxicity profiles

Crack willow Salix fragilis

Grows in the same riparian habitats as basket willow, with very similar foliage; the two species are often misidentified by casual foragers

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Related Toxic Plants

White willow

Salix alba

Low toxicity (harmful only in excess)

Black willow

Salix nigra

Low to moderate toxicity

Quaking aspen

Populus tremuloides

Low toxicity, causes gastrointestinal irritation in large 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.