Guelder Rose Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,887 found this helpful

Unripe fruits, bark, and leaves are confirmed toxic; ripe berry toxicity ranges from non-toxic to mildly toxic per conflicting literature reports

Ingestion of toxic parts typically causes increased salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea in exposed humans and animals

Leaf hairs of related Viburnum rhytidophyllum may trigger urticaria-like skin reactions on direct contact

FAQ

Is Guelder Rose toxic to Humans?

Increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; contact with leaf hairs of related Viburnum species may cause urticaria-like skin rashes (Moderate)

Is Guelder Rose toxic to Cats?

Expected gastrointestinal symptoms including excess salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; no species-specific clinical data available (Low)

Is Guelder Rose toxic to Dogs?

Expected gastrointestinal symptoms including excess salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; no species-specific clinical data available (Low)

Is Guelder Rose toxic to Horses?

Expected gastrointestinal symptoms including excess salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; no species-specific clinical data available (Low)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; contact with leaf hairs of related Viburnum species may cause urticaria-like skin rashes

Cats

Low

Expected gastrointestinal symptoms including excess salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; no species-specific clinical data available

Dogs

Low

Expected gastrointestinal symptoms including excess salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; no species-specific clinical data available

Horses

Low

Expected gastrointestinal symptoms including excess salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; no species-specific clinical data available

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsUnripe fruits, bark, leaves; data on ripe berry toxicity is conflicting, ranging from non-toxic to mildly toxic

Exposure RouteIngestion of toxic plant parts; skin contact with irritant leaf hairs of related Viburnum species

Toxic CompoundsArbutin; Viburtinal; α-Amyrin; β-Amyrin; Apigenin; Luteolin; Quercetin; Rutin; Amentoflavone; Saponins; Tannins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove remaining plant residues if ingestion occurred
• Wash affected skin with soap and water immediately if contact with leaf hairs occurs
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a medical professional or veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• Ingestion of any amount of unripe fruit, bark, or leaves of the plant
• Development of persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation after exposure
• Appearance of skin rash, swelling, or irritation after contact with the plant

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children and domestic pets
• Wear protective gloves when handling Viburnum plants to avoid contact with irritant leaf hairs
• Do not consume unripe fruits, bark, or leaves of the plant

Treatment & Prognosis

• Gastrointestinal decontamination (e.g. activated charcoal administration) as clinically appropriate
• Symptomatic supportive care including fluid therapy to address dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea
• Antihistamines may be administered for urticaria-like contact skin reactions

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameViburnum opulus L.

AliasesCommon Snowball、Obier Viburnum、Snowball Bush

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractSkin

Mechanism of Action

• Irritant compounds including saponins and arbutin cause gastrointestinal mucosal damage and irritation upon ingestion

• Microscopic irritant leaf hairs of related Viburnum species trigger localized allergic inflammatory reactions on skin contact

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep: Potential mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress if large volumes of toxic plant parts are ingested, limited documented clinical data

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Expected gastrointestinal irritation including diarrhea and vomiting if toxic parts are consumed

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Leatherleaf Viburnum Viburnum rhytidophyllum

Similar growth form, flower clusters, and berry appearance to Guelder rose; key difference is its thick, wrinkled evergreen leathery leaves

Wayfaring Tree Viburnum lantana

Similar white flower clusters and red ripening berries; key difference is its densely hairy, ovate serrated leaves

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

Low to Moderate (unripe fruits and leaves are toxic)

Laurustinus

Viburnum tinus

Moderate (all parts cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested)

Moschatel

Adoxa moschatellina

Low (mildly toxic if consumed in large quantities)

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

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.