Mountain Laurel

Not listed does not mean safe.

Arx Fortis at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · shows: Kalmia latifolia

Kalmia latifolia

Family: Ericaceae · ASPCA plant record

Verdict at a glance

Show all animals

🐴 Horses⚠ ToxicASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

🐰 Rabbits⚠ ToxicWHRS Class 1: universal toxin

🐢 Tortoises! CautionTortoise Trust: listed as toxic, degree uncertain

Evidence by animal

Sourced plant verdicts — read the original wording and scope
Animal	Verdict	Basis	Plant parts	Sources	Evidence link
Horses & livestock
Horses	Horses: ⚠ Toxic		Not specified	ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control	evidence
Small mammals
Rabbits	Rabbits: ⚠ Toxic	WHRS Class 1: universal toxin	Not specified	Wisconsin House Rabbit Society Rescue/education group	evidence
Reptiles
Tortoises	Tortoises: ! Caution	Tortoise Trust: listed as toxic, degree uncertain	Not specified	Tortoise Trust Specialist charity	evidence

Source excerpts

ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — Horses

poison-control

Toxic to Horses

Source checked 2026-10-27

Read original source

Wisconsin House Rabbit Society — Classes of Toxic Plants — Rabbits

rescue-education

WHRS Class 1: universal toxin · Wisconsin House Rabbit Society chapter list (G. Flentke, 2012): Class 1 — "Universal species toxins": "usually systemic toxins or local effect toxins of sufficient intensity to cause systemic problems" (list heading: "Do NOT expose rabbits to these plants.").

Mountain Laurel

Source checked 2026-10-27

Read original source

Tortoise Trust — Toxic Plants and Tortoises — Tortoises

specialist-charity

Tortoise Trust: listed as toxic, degree uncertain · Tortoise Trust toxic-plant list (from Highfield 2001): "Some plants on this list may be safely consumed in small or moderate quantities, but may be fatally toxic under certain circumstances or in large doses"; exact degree of toxicity unknown.

Mountain laurel

Source checked 2026-10-27

Read original source

No evidence collected in this database yet for 20 animals

No evidence collected in this database yet for: Cats, Dogs, Guinea pigs, Hamsters, Rats, Mice, Chinchillas, Ferrets, Pet birds (general), Parrots (macaws, Amazons, African greys…), Budgerigars (budgies), Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Canaries, Finches, Pigeons & doves, Bearded dragons, Iguanas, Goats, Chickens & other poultry

No supported claim has been collected for these animals. Not listed does not mean safe; do not infer suitability from another species.

Toxic principles

ASPCA, as published: Grayanotoxin Source

Clinical signs

ASPCA, as published: Typically not very palatable to horses unless it is the only forage available, but sheep and goats may graze readily on the plant. The toxic principle interferes with normal skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and nerve function. Clinical effects typically occur within a few hours after ingestion, and can include acute digestive upset, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, frequent bowel movements/diarrhea, colic, depression, weakness, loss of coordination, stupor, leg paralysis, weak heart rate and recumbency for 2 or more days; at this point, improvement may be seen or the animal may become comatose and die. Source

More from veterinary sources

Merck (grayanotoxin plants, "small animals"): in small animals ingesting only a few leaves or petals, signs are generally gastrointestinal effects and CNS depression, but heart monitoring through the day is typically recommended; larger ingestions are more severe.

In small animals ingesting only a few leaves or petals, clinical signs are generally limited to gastrointestinal effects and CNS depression; however, monitoring through the day for the development of cardiac abnormalities is typically recommended.

Merck Veterinary Manual — Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals (narrative sections)

Last verified (ASPCA record): 2026-10-27. Source access dates and limitations.

Similar plants (same family)

Shared family is not a shared verdict. Check each plant separately.