Pet safety
Is Common Mulleintoxic to cats & dogs?
Verbascum thapsus
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Verbascum thapsus
Is common mullein safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — common mullein is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Verbascum thapsus is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists. The seeds contain rotenone and iridoid glycosides considered mildly toxic if ingested in quantity. Traditional herbal preparations use the flowers and leaves, but raw plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and people. Considered low-risk, but ingestion of seeds or large quantities of foliage is not recommended. The dense leaf hairs may cause skin irritation.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats common mullein?
Verbascum thapsus is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists. The seeds contain rotenone and iridoid glycosides considered mildly toxic if ingested in quantity. Traditional herbal preparations use the flowers and leaves, but raw plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and people. Considered low-risk, but ingestion of seeds or large quantities of foliage is not recommended. The dense leaf hairs may cause skin irritation. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to common mullein, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate common mullein
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move common mullein out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of common mullein to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to common mullein
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Basil — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Herb garden — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Rosemary — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Thyme — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Common Mullein and pets — frequently asked questions
Is common mullein toxic to cats?
Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Verbascum thapsus is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists. The seeds contain rotenone and iridoid glycosides considered mildly toxic if ingested in quantity. Traditional herbal preparations use the flowers and leaves, but raw plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and people. Considered low-risk, but ingestion of seeds or large quantities of foliage is not recommended. The dense leaf hairs may cause skin irritation. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is common mullein toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like common mullein is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats common mullein?
Verbascum thapsus is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists. The seeds contain rotenone and iridoid glycosides considered mildly toxic if ingested in quantity. Traditional herbal preparations use the flowers and leaves, but raw plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and people. Considered low-risk, but ingestion of seeds or large quantities of foliage is not recommended. The dense leaf hairs may cause skin irritation. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to common mullein, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate common mullein?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of common mullein to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to common mullein?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include basil, herb garden, rosemary, thyme. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full common mullein care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete common mullein care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.