Skunk Cabbage Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 846 found this helpful

Symplocarpus foetidus

Skunk Cabbage is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA data

Its core toxic compound is insoluble calcium oxalates that trigger immediate oral irritation

Vomiting occurs in poisoned cats and dogs, but not in affected horses

FAQ

Is Skunk Cabbage toxic to Humans?

Oral pain, swelling of lips, tongue and mouth, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, mild gastrointestinal upset (Low)

Is Skunk Cabbage toxic to Cats?

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing (Low)

Is Skunk Cabbage toxic to Dogs?

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing (Low)

Is Skunk Cabbage toxic to Horses?

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, no vomiting (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Oral pain, swelling of lips, tongue and mouth, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, mild gastrointestinal upset

Cats

Low

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

Dogs

Low

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

Horses

Low

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, no vomiting

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts (leaves, stems, roots, flowers) contain toxic insoluble calcium oxalate crystals

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; direct contact with damaged plant tissue may cause mild skin irritation

Toxic CompoundsInsoluble calcium oxalates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove all remaining plant material from the affected person or animal's mouth
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with cool clean water to reduce residual crystal irritation
• Offer small sips of plain water or milk to dilute remaining oxalate crystals
• Monitor closely for signs of worsening swelling or breathing difficulty

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the affected animal develops severe swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat
• If difficulty swallowing, abnormal breathing, or persistent vomiting occurs
• If a large quantity of the plant was ingested by any pet or livestock

Prevention

• Keep Skunk Cabbage out of reach of indoor pets, and restrict horse access to wetland areas where the plant grows
• Learn to identify Skunk Cabbage by its distinct skunky odor to avoid accidental ingestion during outdoor activities
• Dispose of trimmed Skunk Cabbage waste securely where animals cannot access it

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care including full oral rinsing and pain management to reduce irritation
• Administration of anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling if clinically indicated
• Intravenous fluid support may be provided for cases with dehydration from vomiting or inability to swallow

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSymplocarpus foetidus

AliasesSkunk Weed、Polecat Weed、Meadow Cabbage、Swamp Cabbage

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Oral mucosaTongueThroatGastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Sharp insoluble calcium oxalate crystals penetrate soft mucosal tissue of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract, triggering immediate pain, inflammation and swelling

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, goats: May develop oral irritation and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested, similar to reaction in horses

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Elevated risk of severe oral swelling and inability to eat due to small body size, even with small ingestion amounts

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Wild Cabbage Brassica oleracea

Both have large broad leaves, but Wild Cabbage grows in drier habitats and lacks the characteristic skunky odor of damaged Skunk Cabbage

Rhubarb Rheum rhabarbarum

Both have large broad leaves, but Rhubarb has thick red edible stalks and grows in cultivated dry gardens, not swampy wetland habitats

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Related Toxic Plants

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia seguine

Moderate toxicity

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum wallisii

Low to moderate toxicity

Heartleaf Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum

Low toxicity

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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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