Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Forking larkspur toxic to dogs?

Consolida regalis

Toxic to dogs

Yes — forking larkspur is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Like all Consolida species, Consolida regalis contains toxic norditerpenoid alkaloids (including delphinine and ajacine) throughout all plant parts. These are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The ASPCA lists the Delphinium/Consolida genus as toxic to pets, causing neuromuscular effects, weakness, and potential cardiac effects. Keep away from all pets and children.

What to do if your dog ate forking larkspur

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move forking larkspur out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of forking larkspur to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten forking larkspur, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is forking larkspur toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is forking larkspur toxic to dogs?

Yes — forking larkspur is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Like all Consolida species, Consolida regalis contains toxic norditerpenoid alkaloids (including delphinine and ajacine) throughout all plant parts. These are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The ASPCA lists the Delphinium/Consolida genus as toxic to pets, causing neuromuscular effects, weakness, and potential cardiac effects. Keep away from all pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats forking larkspur?

Like all Consolida species, Consolida regalis contains toxic norditerpenoid alkaloids (including delphinine and ajacine) throughout all plant parts. These are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The ASPCA lists the Delphinium/Consolida genus as toxic to pets, causing neuromuscular effects, weakness, and potential cardiac effects. Keep away from all pets and children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to forking larkspur.

What should I do if my dog ate forking larkspur?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is forking larkspur toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Forking larkspur is toxic to cats as well. See the full forking larkspur pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to forking larkspur?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full forking larkspur pet-safety