Gold moss Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 2,927 found this helpful
Gold moss
1

All parts of Sedum acre are toxic, containing piperidine alkaloids that pose health risks to humans and animals

2

The plant has a low clinical toxicity grade, but severe exposure can lead to paralysis or fatal cardiac arrest

3

Suspected ingestion requires immediate decontamination and symptomatic supportive care for full recovery

FAQ

Is Gold moss toxic to Humans?

Retching, vomiting, respiratory dysfunction, movement disorders, paralysis, possible cardiac arrest (Low)

Is Gold moss toxic to Cats?

No specific clinical exposure data available; monitor for vomiting, lethargy, or uncoordinated movement if ingestion is suspected (Unknown)

Is Gold moss toxic to Dogs?

No specific clinical exposure data available; monitor for vomiting, lethargy, or uncoordinated movement if ingestion is suspected (Unknown)

Is Gold moss toxic to Horses?

No specific clinical exposure data available; monitor for reduced appetite, lethargy, or abnormal movement if ingestion is suspected (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans
Low

Retching, vomiting, respiratory dysfunction, movement disorders, paralysis, possible cardiac arrest

Cats
Unknown

No specific clinical exposure data available; monitor for vomiting, lethargy, or uncoordinated movement if ingestion is suspected

Dogs
Unknown

No specific clinical exposure data available; monitor for vomiting, lethargy, or uncoordinated movement if ingestion is suspected

Horses
Unknown

No specific clinical exposure data available; monitor for reduced appetite, lethargy, or abnormal movement if ingestion is suspected

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant
Exposure RouteIngestion (primary exposure route; no confirmed dermal or inhalation toxicity reports)
Toxic CompoundsPiperidine alkaloids (Sedacrin, Sedinin, (-)-Sedamin, Sedacryptin, Sedridin, and related derivatives)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

  • • Induce vomiting if ingestion occurred within 2 hours and the affected individual is conscious
  • • Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove remaining plant residue
  • • Restrict food and drink intake until directed by a medical or veterinary professional

Contact Vet Immediately

  • • If the affected individual shows signs of respiratory distress, paralysis, or abnormal heart rate
  • • If vomiting persists for more than 30 minutes after ingestion
  • • If a child, pet, or livestock has ingested a large quantity of the plant

Prevention

  • • Keep cultivated Sedum acre plants out of reach of children, pets, and livestock
  • • Avoid foraging wild Sedum species for consumption, as many species are visually indistinguishable
  • • Label Sedum acre plantings clearly to prevent accidental ingestion

Treatment & Prognosis

  • • Perform decontamination via induced vomiting or activated charcoal administration
  • • Provide symptomatic supportive care including respiratory and cardiac function monitoring
  • • Administer targeted medications to address specific symptoms such as vomiting or arrhythmia
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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSedum acre L.
AliasesBiting stonecrop、Wall pepper、Common stonecrop、Scharfer Mauerpfeffer (German)、Orpin âcre (French)、Borracina acre (Italian)
Toxicity Grade
HumansLow
CatsUnknown
DogsUnknown
HorsesUnknown
Target Organs
Gastrointestinal tractNervous systemRespiratory systemCardiac system
Mechanism of Action

• Piperidine alkaloids in the plant disrupt normal nervous system signaling, leading to movement impairment and paralysis, and interfere with cardiac function to potentially cause arrest

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Young domestic pig (3 months old, 30kg): Confirmed case reports show ingestion of related Sedum species causes loss of appetite, ataxia (uncoordinated movement), and hyperthermia; full recovery is possible with prompt care including induced vomiting and antibiotic administration
Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Ice plant Sedum spectabile
Shares the characteristic thick succulent leaf morphology of Sedum acre; is confirmed to cause adverse effects in livestock, and misidentification without botanical expertise is common
Orpine Sedum telephium ssp. maximum
Has a similar low-growing succulent growth habit and often grows in the same habitats as Sedum acre; has much lower alkaloid content, but misidentification can lead to accidental consumption of the more toxic S. acre
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Data Sources

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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