Marsh nettle Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 1,675 found this helpful

Urtica kioviensis Rogow.

Marsh nettle has no known toxic parts, but triggers strong skin irritation on direct contact with skin or mucous membranes

No confirmed systemic toxicity in cats, dogs, or horses has been documented for this species

The plant is easily confused with other nettle species and some Lamiaceae family plants

FAQ

Is Marsh nettle toxic to Humans?

Intense localized stinging, itching, redness, and swelling at the contact site; no systemic symptoms reported (Non-toxic)

Is Marsh nettle toxic to Cats?

Localized skin irritation, pawing at affected areas, mild oral redness/irritation if chewed (Non-toxic)

Is Marsh nettle toxic to Dogs?

Localized skin irritation, pawing at contact sites, mild oral discomfort if plant material is ingested (Non-toxic)

Is Marsh nettle toxic to Horses?

Localized skin irritation, rubbing of affected areas, mild oral irritation if the plant is chewed (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

Intense localized stinging, itching, redness, and swelling at the contact site; no systemic symptoms reported

Cats

Non-toxic

Localized skin irritation, pawing at affected areas, mild oral redness/irritation if chewed

Dogs

Non-toxic

Localized skin irritation, pawing at contact sites, mild oral discomfort if plant material is ingested

Horses

Non-toxic

Localized skin irritation, rubbing of affected areas, mild oral irritation if the plant is chewed

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo confirmed toxic parts, all aerial plant parts cause strong skin irritation

Exposure RouteDirect skin contact, accidental chewing or intentional ingestion of plant material

Toxic CompoundsHistamine; Acetylcholine; Serotonin

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• For skin contact: Immediately rinse affected area with cold running water to remove remaining stinging hair residues
• For oral exposure: Rinse mouth thoroughly with cool clean water to reduce mucous membrane irritation
• Avoid scratching irritated areas to prevent secondary bacterial infection

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet shows persistent swelling, blistering, or severe irritation lasting more than 24 hours
• If your animal shows signs of allergic reaction including difficulty breathing after exposure
• If a horse develops widespread skin swelling or signs of pain after contact with the plant

Prevention

• Wear long sleeves, gloves and protective clothing when working near marsh nettle stands
• Keep pets and livestock away from dense marsh nettle habitats to avoid unintended contact
• Learn to identify marsh nettle characteristics to distinguish it from lookalike species

Treatment & Prognosis

• Apply topical antihistamine cream to human skin irritation sites to reduce itching and swelling
• Oral antihistamines may be prescribed by a medical provider or vet for severe allergic reactions
• Treat secondary bacterial infections from scratching with appropriate antibiotics as needed

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameUrtica kioviensis Rogow.

AliasesUkrainian stinging nettle、Reed stinging nettle、Swamp stinging nettle、Urtica radicans Bolla、Urtica bollae Kanitz、Urtica hulensis Feinbrun

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

SkinOral mucous membranes

Mechanism of Action

• Irritant compounds in the plant's stinging hairs trigger immediate localized inflammatory reaction on contact

• No systemic toxic effects have been documented for this Urtica species

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Localized skin and oral irritation possible on contact, no systemic toxicity reported

Sheep: Mild to moderate skin irritation if exposed to dense stands of the plant

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Oral and skin irritation possible if the plant is chewed or contacted

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other stinging nettle species Urtica spp.

Visually similar in serrated leaf shape and growth habit; most other Urtica species also cause skin irritation, with some having higher irritant potency

Lamiaceae family plants Lamiaceae spp.

Some Lamiaceae species share similar leaf morphology; key difference is Lamiaceae plants lack the characteristic stinging hairs present on Urtica kioviensis

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Related Toxic Plants

Common stinging nettle

Urtica dioica

Low toxicity, strong localized skin irritant

Tree nettle

Urtica ferox

Moderate toxicity, can cause severe systemic reactions in humans and animals

Spurge nettle

Cnidoscolus stimulosus

Moderate toxicity, causes intense long-lasting skin pain and irritation

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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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