Is Common gorse Poisonous

The common gorse is a toxic plant that can be potentially very harmful or even deadly when ingested. It contains several toxic alkaloids that can cause serious illness in humans when taken in high doses. The most toxic parts of the plant are reportedly branches, fruit, and flowers. Poisoning caused by the consumption of the common gorse is said to be manifested by a strong burning sensation of the mouth and throat, followed by gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps) strong thirst, sweating, headache, delirium, and muscle cramps. Although the mortality is very low, the poisoning can be very severe in some cases – it can lead to general paralysis or death caused by circulatory collapse, as well as respiratory paralysis.

Common gorse possesses mild toxicity to cats. When eaten accidentally, it can cause health issues due to the presence of alkaloids. All parts of common gorse are toxic, with the pod and seed containing higher concentrations of toxic compounds. Cats can exhibit symptoms of physical discomfort or illness as a result of ingesting the plant. It is essential to watch out for any changes in a cat's behavior after contact with common gorse. For their safety, immediate veterinary attention is crucial if poisoning is suspected.

Common gorse poses a mild toxicity risk to dogs. Canines may accidentally ingest parts of the plant, which can lead to poisoning. The entire plant is toxic, with the pod and seed being particularly harmful. If a dog consumes any part of common gorse, it may exhibit symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation. In cases where a dog has ingested common gorse, it is imperative to seek immediate veterinary care to ensure proper treatment and management of any potential poisoning.