Pet safety
Is Marsh Woundworttoxic to cats & dogs?
Stachys palustris
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Stachys palustris
Is marsh woundwort safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags marsh woundwort as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. 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. Not listed by the ASPCA; formal pet-toxicity data for Stachys palustris is lacking. The plant is used as a food source by humans (tubers are edible) and is not reported as acutely toxic to livestock, but cannot be confirmed as pet-safe without ASPCA verification. Classify as mildly toxic pending confirmation; veterinary advice should be sought if ingested by pets.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats marsh woundwort?
Not listed by the ASPCA; formal pet-toxicity data for Stachys palustris is lacking. The plant is used as a food source by humans (tubers are edible) and is not reported as acutely toxic to livestock, but cannot be confirmed as pet-safe without ASPCA verification. Classify as mildly toxic pending confirmation; veterinary advice should be sought if ingested by pets. 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 marsh woundwort, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate marsh woundwort
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move marsh woundwort 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 marsh woundwort 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 marsh woundwort
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)
Marsh Woundwort and pets — frequently asked questions
Is marsh woundwort toxic to cats?
Marsh Woundwort (Stachys palustris) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Not listed by the ASPCA; formal pet-toxicity data for Stachys palustris is lacking. The plant is used as a food source by humans (tubers are edible) and is not reported as acutely toxic to livestock, but cannot be confirmed as pet-safe without ASPCA verification. Classify as mildly toxic pending confirmation; veterinary advice should be sought if ingested by pets. 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 marsh woundwort toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Marsh Woundwort (Stachys palustris) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like marsh woundwort is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats marsh woundwort?
Not listed by the ASPCA; formal pet-toxicity data for Stachys palustris is lacking. The plant is used as a food source by humans (tubers are edible) and is not reported as acutely toxic to livestock, but cannot be confirmed as pet-safe without ASPCA verification. Classify as mildly toxic pending confirmation; veterinary advice should be sought if ingested by pets. 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 marsh woundwort, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate marsh woundwort?
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 marsh woundwort to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to marsh woundwort?
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 marsh woundwort care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete marsh woundwort care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.