Common lime (European linden) Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 4,893 found this helpful

No parts of Tilia x europaea are confirmed toxic to humans or common domestic animals including cats, dogs, and horses

There is a confirmed risk of confusing this species with other Tilia species that may have different toxicity profiles

Mild adverse reactions are possible in sensitive individuals, so medical/veterinary care is recommended if unusual symptoms appear after exposure

FAQ

Is Common lime (European linden) toxic to Humans?

No expected toxic symptoms; mild transient gastrointestinal upset may occur in sensitive individuals after very large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Common lime (European linden) toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxic symptoms; unusual signs like vomiting or lethargy should be evaluated by a veterinarian (Non-toxic)

Is Common lime (European linden) toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxic symptoms; unusual signs like vomiting or lethargy should be evaluated by a veterinarian (Non-toxic)

Is Common lime (European linden) toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxic symptoms; unusual signs like diarrhea or reduced appetite should be evaluated by a veterinarian (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No expected toxic symptoms; mild transient gastrointestinal upset may occur in sensitive individuals after very large ingestion

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms; unusual signs like vomiting or lethargy should be evaluated by a veterinarian

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms; unusual signs like vomiting or lethargy should be evaluated by a veterinarian

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms; unusual signs like diarrhea or reduced appetite should be evaluated by a veterinarian

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo confirmed toxic parts

Exposure RouteIngestion, skin contact (no adverse effects confirmed for either exposure route)

Toxic Compounds

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water to remove any remaining plant residue if ingested
• Wash affected skin with mild soap and water if skin contact occurred
• Monitor for unusual signs of discomfort for 2 to 4 hours post-exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• If unusual symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy) persist for more than 2 hours
• If very large quantities of plant material were ingested by small pets or young livestock
• If there is uncertainty about whether the ingested plant is Common lime or a toxic lookalike Tilia species

Prevention

• Learn to distinguish Common lime from other Tilia species via leaf shape, flower structure, and fruit morphology before allowing animal exposure
• Keep unknown Tilia plants out of reach of pets and young children to avoid accidental ingestion of potentially toxic lookalikes
• Confirm plant identity before allowing livestock to graze on areas with unclassified Tilia species

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care for mild gastrointestinal symptoms as needed
• Symptomatic treatment for rare individual allergic reactions if they occur
• Follow targeted toxicology protocols if exposure to a misidentified toxic lookalike species is confirmed

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameTilia x europaea L.

AliasesTilia x europaea var. pallida Rehder、Tilia x vulgaris Hayne、Holländische Linde (German common name)、Tilleul commun (French common name)

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism identified, as the species has no documented toxic components

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, goats (livestock): No confirmed toxicity reported; very large ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset in rare cases

Rabbits, guinea pigs (small companion mammals): No confirmed toxicity; safe to consume in small quantities as part of a balanced forage diet

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Tilia species Tilia spp.

Other Tilia species may have varying toxicity profiles; key distinguishing features include leaf margin shape, flower bract size, and fruit texture, which should be verified for exact species identification

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Related Toxic Plants

Upland cotton

Gossypium hirsutum

Moderate toxicity, contains gossypol that impairs reproductive and hepatic function in humans and animals

Cacao tree

Theobroma cacao

High toxicity to dogs and cats, contains theobromine that causes life-threatening cardiac and neurological symptoms

Velvetleaf

Abutilon theophrasti

Low to moderate toxicity, causes gastrointestinal irritation and liver damage in livestock when ingested in large quantities

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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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