Forget-me-nots, belonging to the genus Myosotis, are beloved garden plants recognized for their clusters of small, vivid blue flowers. These popular blossoms often appear early in the spring, creating a delicate ground cover in many landscapes. For homeowners with pets or children, a primary concern is the plant’s safety profile. The common garden varieties of forget-me-nots are generally considered non-toxic to both humans and animals.
Safety Status of Common Garden Varieties
The most commonly cultivated types of forget-me-nots, such as the wood forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) and the true or water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), are largely classified as safe for household pets like dogs and cats. Reports of toxicity from these specific species are rare, and they are frequently listed among the plants that pose no serious risk.
Consumption of the leaves or flowers may cause only a mild, temporary stomach upset due to the physical irritation of the plant material. Not all plants that share the “forget-me-not” name are equally harmless. Plants like the Chinese forget-me-not (Cynoglossum amabile), which is sometimes confused with the true Myosotis species, contain higher levels of toxic compounds. Proper identification of the plant is therefore important when assessing potential risk.
The Specific Chemical Compounds of Concern
The reason for the toxicity question lies in the presence of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs). PAs are natural defense compounds produced by many plants in the Boraginaceae family, which includes the Myosotis genus. These compounds are potent hepatotoxins, meaning they are toxic to the liver, and can also be genotoxic and tumorigenic.
Research has confirmed that some Myosotis species, including Myosotis scorpioides and Myosotis arvensis, synthesize and accumulate PAs throughout the plant, including the flowers. When absorbed, PAs are metabolized in the liver into pyrrolic compounds that can bind to and damage cellular DNA, leading to a condition known as hepatic veno-occlusive disease.
The consensus that common garden varieties are safe suggests that the concentration of PAs in Myosotis sylvatica is likely negligible. However, the presence of PAs in the genus explains why the plant is sometimes flagged for caution, especially when compared to highly toxic PA-containing plants like Comfrey or certain Senecio species.
Symptoms and Emergency Protocol
If a human or pet ingests a common garden forget-me-not, the resulting symptoms are usually confined to the digestive system. Mild signs may include isolated vomiting, excessive drooling, or temporary diarrhea, which is often a result of the stomach being irritated by the plant material itself. These symptoms are typically minor and resolve quickly without medical intervention.
If a large quantity of any plant is consumed, or if ingestion of a toxic look-alike is suspected, immediate action is necessary. For pet owners, monitoring for signs of severe distress, such as persistent vomiting, lethargy, or collapse, is important. In such cases, contact a veterinarian or a pet poison control center right away.
For human exposure, a call to a certified poison control center provides the most direct and accurate advice based on the specific plant and the amount ingested. When reporting, it is helpful to have the plant’s identity, the quantity consumed, and the time of ingestion to assist in treatment planning.