Texas Sage Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 2,656 found this helpful

Salvia coccinea

Salvia coccinea (Texas Sage) is officially classified as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses

No toxic compounds or harmful exposure mechanisms have been documented for this plant species

Accidental small-volume ingestion is not expected to cause clinical toxicity in common domestic companion and grazing animals

FAQ

Is Texas Sage toxic to Humans?

No expected toxic symptoms from casual ingestion; rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur in sensitive individuals with excessive intake (Non-toxic)

Is Texas Sage toxic to Cats?

No documented toxic symptoms; rare mild, self-resolving digestive discomfort may occur with very large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Texas Sage toxic to Dogs?

No documented toxic symptoms; rare transient soft stool or drooling may occur after consumption of extremely large quantities (Non-toxic)

Is Texas Sage toxic to Horses?

No expected toxic effects; mild temporary gastrointestinal irritation is possible only after ingestion of very large volumes of plant material (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No expected toxic symptoms from casual ingestion; rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur in sensitive individuals with excessive intake

Cats

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms; rare mild, self-resolving digestive discomfort may occur with very large ingestion

Dogs

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms; rare transient soft stool or drooling may occur after consumption of extremely large quantities

Horses

Non-toxic

No expected toxic effects; mild temporary gastrointestinal irritation is possible only after ingestion of very large volumes of plant material

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo identified toxic plant parts; all foliage, flowers, and stems are considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses

Exposure RouteExposure routes include accidental ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation of plant pollen; no toxic effects are associated with any exposure route for this species

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic phytochemicals have been identified in Salvia coccinea in available toxicology studies

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth of exposed individual or pet with clean water to remove remaining plant residue
• Monitor for any unusual symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy for 2 to 4 hours post-exposure
• Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a licensed medical or veterinary professional

Contact Vet Immediately

• Pet exhibits persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy lasting more than 6 hours after ingesting large quantities of the plant
• Your pet has a known history of severe allergies to plants in the Labiatae family
• Unusual neurological or respiratory symptoms appear after suspected exposure

Prevention

• Confirm the identity of all landscape and house plants before placing them in areas accessible to pets or livestock
• Keep misidentified or unlabeled sage varieties away from grazing areas and pet enclosures
• Consult a veterinarian or plant toxicologist if you are unsure of a plant's safety for your animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• No specific treatment is required for typical exposure; supportive care may be administered for rare mild adverse reactions as needed

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSalvia coccinea

AliasesScarlet Sage

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are at risk of toxic damage from exposure to Salvia coccinea

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism of action has been identified for this species, as it contains no documented harmful compounds

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: No documented toxicity, considered safe for grazing

Sheep: No reported adverse effects, assumed non-toxic

Domestic Rabbits: No known harmful effects, safe for consumption in small quantities

Poultry: No documented toxicity, safe to include in forage in moderate amounts

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Scarlet Salvia Salvia splendens

Visually similar due to bright red upright flower spikes and typical sage leaf shape; key difference is Salvia splendens has broader, glossier leaves with less fuzz than Salvia coccinea

Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis

Shares bright red upright flower spikes; key difference is it belongs to the Campanulaceae family, lacks the characteristic sage aroma, and has thinner lance-shaped leaves

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Related Toxic Plants

Diviner's Sage

Salvia divinorum

Moderate toxicity, causes psychoactive effects and gastrointestinal distress in humans and animals

Pennyroyal

Mentha pulegium

High toxicity, can induce liver failure, seizures, and death in companion animals and humans

Beefsteak Plant

Perilla frutescens

Moderate to high toxicity, causes fatal interstitial pneumonia in grazing livestock and digestive upset in pets

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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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