Pet safety
Is Ribbed Melilottoxic to cats & dogs?
Melilotus officinalis
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 Melilotus officinalis
Is ribbed melilot safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — ribbed melilot 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. Contains coumarin which, when the plant is mouldy or improperly dried, is converted by fungi (Penicillium, Aspergillus spp.) to dicoumarol — a potent anticoagulant that can cause haemorrhage. Primarily documented in cattle and horses; not specifically listed on the ASPCA dog/cat toxic plant list but the anticoagulant risk makes it mildly toxic for pets. Fresh green plant poses lower risk than mouldy material.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats ribbed melilot?
Contains coumarin which, when the plant is mouldy or improperly dried, is converted by fungi (Penicillium, Aspergillus spp.) to dicoumarol — a potent anticoagulant that can cause haemorrhage. Primarily documented in cattle and horses; not specifically listed on the ASPCA dog/cat toxic plant list but the anticoagulant risk makes it mildly toxic for pets. Fresh green plant poses lower risk than mouldy material. 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 ribbed melilot, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate ribbed melilot
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move ribbed melilot 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 ribbed melilot 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 ribbed melilot
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)
Ribbed Melilot and pets — frequently asked questions
Is ribbed melilot toxic to cats?
Ribbed Melilot (Melilotus officinalis) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Contains coumarin which, when the plant is mouldy or improperly dried, is converted by fungi (Penicillium, Aspergillus spp.) to dicoumarol — a potent anticoagulant that can cause haemorrhage. Primarily documented in cattle and horses; not specifically listed on the ASPCA dog/cat toxic plant list but the anticoagulant risk makes it mildly toxic for pets. Fresh green plant poses lower risk than mouldy material. 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 ribbed melilot toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Ribbed Melilot (Melilotus officinalis) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like ribbed melilot is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats ribbed melilot?
Contains coumarin which, when the plant is mouldy or improperly dried, is converted by fungi (Penicillium, Aspergillus spp.) to dicoumarol — a potent anticoagulant that can cause haemorrhage. Primarily documented in cattle and horses; not specifically listed on the ASPCA dog/cat toxic plant list but the anticoagulant risk makes it mildly toxic for pets. Fresh green plant poses lower risk than mouldy material. 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 ribbed melilot, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate ribbed melilot?
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 ribbed melilot to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to ribbed melilot?
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 ribbed melilot care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete ribbed melilot care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.