Horse Chestnut
Not listed does not mean safe.
H. Zell · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · shows: Aesculus glabra
Aesculus glabra
Also known as: Buckeye, Ohio Buckeye, Fetid Buckeye
Family: Sapindaceae · ASPCA plant record
Verdict at a glance
Show all animals
Evidence by animal
| Animal | Verdict | Basis | Plant parts | Sources | Evidence link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Companion mammals | |||||
| Cats | Cats: ⚠ Toxic | Not specified | ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control | evidence | |
| Dogs | Dogs: ⚠ Toxic | Not specified | ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control | evidence | |
| Horses & livestock | |||||
| Horses | Horses: ⚠ Toxic | Not specified | ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control | evidence | |
| Goats | Goats: ! Caution | Cornell: genus-level listing | fruit | Cornell University University | evidence |
| Chickens & other poultry | Chickens & other poultry: ! Caution | Peer-reviewed experiment, different species tested (PMID 6538769) | seeds | Williams & Olsen 1984 Peer-reviewed | evidence |
| Small mammals | |||||
| Hamsters | Hamsters: ! Caution | Peer-reviewed experiment, different species tested (PMID 6538769) | seeds | Williams & Olsen 1984 Peer-reviewed | 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 — Cats, Dogs, Horses
poison-control
Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
Source checked 2026-10-27
Read original sourceToxicity of seeds of three Aesculus spp to chicks and hamsters — Hamsters, Chickens & other poultry
peer-reviewed
Peer-reviewed experiment, different species tested (PMID 6538769) · seeds · The extract tested was from horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). The ASPCA page for this entry names Aesculus glabra; the same paper reports that 'Extracts of seeds of Ohio buckeye were nontoxic to chicks and hamsters when fed at 80 mg/g' (Ohio buckeye = A. glabra). Because the species differ, this is shown as caution, not toxic.
Peer-reviewed experiment, different species tested (PMID 6538769) · seeds · Tested on 2-week-old Leghorn chicks with Aesculus hippocastanum seed extract; the ASPCA entry names Aesculus glabra, which the paper found nontoxic to chicks at 80 mg/g. Shown as caution because the species differ.
The LD50 for a single dose of extract from horse-chestnut seeds was 10.6 mg/g of body weight for chicks and 10.7 mg/g of body weight for hamsters.
Source checked 2026-10-27
Read original sourceTortoise 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.
Horse chestnut
Source checked 2026-10-27
Read original sourceCornell University — Plants Poisonous to Livestock — Goats
university
Cornell: genus-level listing · fruit · Cornell lists Aesculus spp.; parts poisonous: fruit; poison: Unknown, possibly saportins, narcotic alkaloids, or glycosides.. Cornell's entry is for the whole genus (Aesculus spp.); it does not name Aesculus glabra specifically, so this is shown as caution.
Aesculus spp. | Horse Chestnut, Buckeye | humans, cattle, goats | fruit | Unknown, possibly saportins, narcotic alkaloids, or glycosides.
Source checked 2026-10-27
Read original sourceNo evidence collected in this database yet for 16 animals
No evidence collected in this database yet for: Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Rats, Mice, Chinchillas, Ferrets, Pet birds (general), Parrots (macaws, Amazons, African greys…), Budgerigars (budgies), Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Canaries, Finches, Pigeons & doves, Bearded dragons, Iguanas
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: Aesculin (a glycosidic saponin), other saponins Source
Clinical signs
ASPCA, as published: Severe vomiting and diarrhea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, weakness, unsteadiness, depression, seizures, coma Source
Last verified (ASPCA record): 2026-10-27. Source access dates and limitations.