Although there are no reports of toxicity for scarlet leather flower specifically, it is known that many - and probably all - members of the genus Clematis are mildly poisonous to humans and animals. There are two main toxins in the scarlet leather flower; ranunculin and glycosides, and these can be found in all parts of the plant. The ranunculin causes severe pain and blistering in the mouth if the plant is ingested, while the glycosides affect the cardiac system. Other symptoms include a burning sensation in the mouth, excess salivation and vomiting. When the scarlet leather flower is extensively handled, it causes skin redness, along with a burning sensation in the skin, but this is usually minor and only lasts for a few minutes. Due to its unpleasant taste and aggressive reaction with skin and mucosa, cases of poisoning are very rare.