§ Toxic plants · Asteraceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is common groundsel toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Severe, level 3 of 4.
Get a permanent discount if you join Early Access. iPhone and Android, in the contiguous U.S.
§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include liver failure, wobbliness or poor coordination, weight loss, weakness, drowsiness, yawning, dullness or depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Asteraceae plants toxic to pets
Common groundsel belongs to the Asteraceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about common groundsel and pets
Is common groundsel toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists common groundsel as toxic to cats.
Is common groundsel toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists common groundsel as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats common groundsel?
Signs include liver failure, wobbliness or poor coordination, weight loss, weakness, drowsiness, yawning, dullness or depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Plant Smart rates it Severe, level 3 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.