PlantFunWandering Jew Toxic?
All parts of the plant are toxic, containing irritant calcium oxalate crystals and high nitrate levels
Exposure causes contact dermatitis in dogs, and ingestion may lead to systemic symptoms including circulatory collapse
Birds face extremely severe toxicity risk, while grazing cattle can die of nitrate poisoning within 1-2 hours of ingestion
FAQ
Is Wandering Jew toxic to Humans?
No specific human toxicity data documented, but dermal contact may potentially cause mild skin irritation similar to reactions seen in animals (Low)
Is Wandering Jew toxic to Cats?
No specific toxicity data available for cats, monitor for signs of irritation or illness if exposure occurs (Unknown)
Is Wandering Jew toxic to Dogs?
Contact with plant sap causes cell-mediated contact dermatitis with vesico-pustular skin/mucous membrane lesions, itching, redness, swelling, exudation; possible additional symptoms include acute circulatory collapse, vomiting, abdominal pain and lethargy (Moderate)
Is Wandering Jew toxic to Horses?
No specific toxicity data available for horses, monitor for signs of irritation or illness if exposure occurs (Unknown)
Toxicity Details
No specific human toxicity data documented, but dermal contact may potentially cause mild skin irritation similar to reactions seen in animals
No specific toxicity data available for cats, monitor for signs of irritation or illness if exposure occurs
Contact with plant sap causes cell-mediated contact dermatitis with vesico-pustular skin/mucous membrane lesions, itching, redness, swelling, exudation; possible additional symptoms include acute circulatory collapse, vomiting, abdominal pain and lethargy
No specific toxicity data available for horses, monitor for signs of irritation or illness if exposure occurs
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • If dermal contact occurs, immediately wash the affected area with mild soap and cool running water to remove residual plant sap
- • If ingested, rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean water, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet/medical professional
- • Monitor for symptom onset, which can appear as early as 1-2 hours post ingestion for grazing animals
Contact Vet Immediately
- • If signs of dermatitis (redness, swelling, blisters, itching, exudation) appear after contact
- • If ingestion is confirmed, especially if symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain or unusual circulatory changes occur
- • If the exposed animal is a bird, as this species faces extremely severe, potentially fatal toxicity risk
Prevention
- • Avoid direct contact with the plant, wear protective gloves when handling if necessary
- • Keep the plant out of reach of pets, livestock and wild birds
- • Do not allow grazing animals to feed on pastures where this plant is present
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care matching observed symptoms
- • For methaemoglobinaemia caused by nitrate poisoning in cattle, administer 1% methylene blue solution slowly intravenously at 9mg/kg, repeat after 30 minutes if required
- • Administer vitamin C: initial 20mg/kg intravenously, followed by 30mg/kg orally 3 times per day
Professional Toxicology
• Needle-shaped calcium oxalate raphides irritate skin and mucous membranes on contact or ingestion
• High nitrate content leads to nitrate poisoning and methaemoglobinaemia when ingested, causing circulatory failure in severe cases
• Plant sap triggers a cell-mediated immune response leading to contact dermatitis lesions
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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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.