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Is Scotch Broom Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Moderate
✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
Yes, Scotch broom is toxic to dogs. Eating its seeds or foliage introduces sparteine alkaloids that cause vomiting, heart-slowing effects and weakness.

Also known as: Common Broom, English Broom, Cytisus scoparius · Cytisus scoparius

What makes it toxic

Sparteine and cytisine-like quinolizidine alkaloids concentrated in the seeds, lower in leaves and flowers. They depress the heart, blood pressure and respiration like nicotine in overdose.

Warning signs to watch for

Drooling, vomiting and diarrhea within a few hours, then possible lethargy, unsteady gait, slowed pulse and low blood pressure with bigger seed meals.

What to do if your dog eats it

Take the material away, rinse the mouth and call your vet, noting whether seed pods were involved. A slow pulse, stumbling or collapse calls for immediate care.

Common questions

My dog ate seed pods from a roadside broom patch — now what?

Seeds are the concentrated part, so call the vet with an estimate of pods eaten and watch heart rate and gait for the rest of the day.

Why is Scotch broom invasive if it is this toxic?

Its toxicity to mammals is one reason it spreads — few grazers touch it. Dogs occasionally eat the pods anyway, so pull it from pet areas.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals thaAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain coSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk ofEaster Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal kiSago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untreBoston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.