Ambrosia Mexicana — (c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jim Morefield
Photo by (c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jim MorefieldiNaturalistCC BY
dog safety reference

Is Ambrosia Mexicana safe for dogs?

Chenopodium botrys

Chenopodium botrys is an aromatic annual herb often grown for its unique scent and foliage. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

Ambrosia MexicanaChenopodium botrysFeather GeraniumJerusalem Oak
Light
Full sun
Habit
Upright annual
Care
Low

Safety status

Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

What this means for your dog

Ambrosia Mexicana is on the ASPCA's list of plants toxic to dogs. The same sesquiterpene lactones that bother cats and horses can give a curious dog an upset stomach and a flat mood after a sampling session in the garden.

What to watch for

Look for vomiting, loss of appetite, and depression — the three signs ASPCA lists explicitly for this plant. Bigger or more enthusiastic chewers may also show drooling or loose stool as the dose climbs.

Time window

Exact onset and recovery times are not well documented for this plant. Most plant-related GI signs in dogs show up within a few hours; track your dog over the next 24 hours and escalate if anything worsens.

When to call the vet

Call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or your vet right away if your dog vomits more than once, won't eat, or seems unusually subdued — and immediately if a large amount was eaten or signs are escalating.

Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal irritation.

Escalation note

While typically mild, ingestion of significant amounts may cause distress. Consult your veterinarian for guidance if your dog shows signs of illness.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

Cats & dogs pagecats pageMy dog ate Ambrosia Mexicana

Same dog verdict

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