All parts of the cutleaf anemone, a member of the buttercup family, are mildly toxic when eaten raw. Ranunculin in cutleaf anemone becomes toxic as protoanemonin when the plant is cut/chewed. Contact can cause blisters and rashes, while ingestion leads to nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and hepatitis. Small quantities cause only mild effects.

Cutleaf anemone is a poisonous weed that creates problems for farmers and gardeners across North America and parts of South America. As a part of the buttercup family, cutleaf anemone is a vigorous spreader that outcompetes other plants for sunlight and nutrition. It thrives in gardens and fields that are frequently watered, which only aids in its takeover. Livestock that eat this weed can be negatively affected, and it is difficult to control in wide pastures. Frequent mowing can wear down cutleaf anemone's root system and greatly reduce seed production. Herbicidal application is also a good control method for reducing the presence of this weed.