THESE PLANTS HAVE A LOW TOXICITY RATING:
BUTTERCUPS (Ranunculus spp.)
Toxicity rating: Low to Moderate
Toxins: Ranunculan. The juice of the entire plant contains the toxins.
Animals affected: All animals, primarily cattle and sheep. When eaten, the buttercup irritates the
mouth and intestinal tract.
Signs: Blisters and ulcers in mouth, in an infested pasture, milk cows can eat enough to taint their milk.
Description of plant: There are several buttercups found in northwest Washington, the most common
being Creeping Buttercup, Tall Buttercup and Bur Buttercup. Please refer to one of the references listed
at the end of this handout for more information on these plants.
DOWNY BROME (Bromus tectorum)
Toxicity rating: Low
Toxins: Large, coarse awns cause mechanical injury to mouth, eyes, noses
Animals affected: Grazing animals
Signs: Sores and infections to mouth, throat, intestines; weight loss.
Description of plant: An annual growing 4 to 30 inches tall, reproducing by
seed. Leaf sheaths and flat blades are densely covered with soft hair. The
seed head is dense, slender, drooping and