Inch plant Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,669 found this helpful

All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate raphides that trigger irritation on skin or mucosal contact.

The species is severely toxic to birds, and can cause fatal nitrate poisoning in grazing ruminants within 2 hours of ingestion.

Exposure in dogs may cause pustular skin lesions, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and acute circulatory collapse.

FAQ

Is Inch plant toxic to Humans?

Possible contact dermatitis (redness, itching, blistering, swelling) on skin/mucosal exposure; mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested (Low)

Is Inch plant toxic to Cats?

No species-specific clinical data available; monitor for oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and lethargy if ingested (Low)

Is Inch plant toxic to Dogs?

Vesico-pustular skin and mucosal lesions, itching, redness, swelling, exudation; possible vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and acute circulatory collapse (Moderate)

Is Inch plant toxic to Horses?

No species-specific clinical data available; monitor for oral irritation, colic, drooling, and lethargy if ingested (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Possible contact dermatitis (redness, itching, blistering, swelling) on skin/mucosal exposure; mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested

Cats

Low

No species-specific clinical data available; monitor for oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and lethargy if ingested

Dogs

Moderate

Vesico-pustular skin and mucosal lesions, itching, redness, swelling, exudation; possible vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and acute circulatory collapse

Horses

Low

No species-specific clinical data available; monitor for oral irritation, colic, drooling, and lethargy if ingested

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant

Exposure RouteDermal contact, mucosal contact, ingestion

Toxic CompoundsCalcium oxalate crystals (raphides); Dicarboxylic acids; Nitrates (nitrogen compounds); Polysaccharide glycoproteins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from skin, fur, or mouth of the exposed individual immediately
• Rinse exposed skin or mucous membranes with cool running water for 10-15 minutes to reduce irritation
• If ingested, offer small sips of water to dilute toxins; do not induce vomiting unless advised by a professional

Contact Vet Immediately

• Severe swelling, blistering, or difficulty breathing develops after exposure
• Vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, or unusual behavior appears post-ingestion
• Exposure occurs in birds, grazing livestock, or small sensitive pets

Prevention

• Keep plants out of reach of children, pets, birds, and grazing livestock
• Wear protective gloves when handling the plant to avoid contact with toxic sap
• Avoid planting this species in pastures or areas accessible to free-roaming animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer symptomatic supportive care aligned with presented clinical symptoms
• For methaemoglobinaemia in cattle, give 1% methylene blue at 9mg/kg slow IV, repeat after 30 minutes if needed
• Administer vitamin C as indicated: 20mg/kg initial IV dose, followed by 30mg/kg orally 3 times daily

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameTradescantia zebrina hort. ex Bosse; Tradescantia pendula (Schnizl.) D.R. Hunt; Zebrina pendula Schnizl.

AliasesSilver inch plant、Wandering Jew、Zebra herb、Misère、Erba miseria、Zebrina

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsModerate

HorsesLow

Target Organs

SkinMucous membranesDigestive tractCirculatory systemBlood

Mechanism of Action

• Calcium oxalate raphides cause mechanical irritation to skin and mucous membranes on contact

• Plant sap triggers cell-mediated immune responses leading to contact dermatitis in sensitive species

• Accumulated nitrates cause nitrate poisoning and methaemoglobinaemia in grazing ruminants

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Birds: Severe (very highly toxic), exposure may lead to rapid acute poisoning and death

Cattle and grazing ruminants: Moderate to severe, ingestion can cause fatal nitrate poisoning within 1-2 hours of consumption

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Tradescantia species Tradescantia spp.

Visually similar foliage and trailing growth habit; most species contain similar calcium oxalate crystals and toxic compounds

Callisia species Callisia spp.

Same Commelinaceae family, overlapping leaf shape and growth pattern; often sold interchangeably as trailing houseplants

Commelina species Commelina spp.

Shared family traits, similar foliage appearance; commonly grow in overlapping wild and cultivated habitats

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Related Toxic Plants

Boat Lily

Tradescantia spathacea

Moderate toxicity, causes contact irritation and gastrointestinal upset

Purple Heart

Tradescantia pallida

Moderate toxicity, contains calcium oxalate raphides that trigger contact dermatitis

False Bromeliad

Callisia fragrans

Low to moderate toxicity, causes skin irritation and oral discomfort if ingested

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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.