Ezina · A Field Manual for Plant Care · United States Vol. I · Ed. 2027 · Proof copy

§ Toxic plants · Asteraceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is wormwoods and sagebrushes toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Wormwoods and sagebrushes (Artemisia spp.) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Moderate, level 2 of 4.

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Wormwoods and sagebrushes (Artemisia spp.)
Photo: (c) Bobby McCabe, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bobby McCabe, via iNaturalist

§ 010 · Signs

What to watch for

Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, wobbliness or poor coordination, overexcitement and trouble breathing. 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

Wormwoods and sagebrushes belongs to the Asteraceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about wormwoods and sagebrushes and pets

Is wormwoods and sagebrushes toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists wormwoods and sagebrushes as toxic to cats.

Is wormwoods and sagebrushes toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists wormwoods and sagebrushes as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats wormwoods and sagebrushes?

Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, wobbliness or poor coordination, overexcitement and trouble breathing. Plant Smart rates it Moderate, level 2 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.

Changes

5 Oct 2026: page drafted.

Sources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.

Plant Smart: Plant Smart: plants toxic to pets.

Photo: (c) Bobby McCabe, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bobby McCabe, via iNaturalist, source.

Checked Oct 2026.