Species library · Plants & herbs

Texas Bull Nettle: poisonous

Cnidoscolus texanus

☠ Poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Texas Bull Nettle is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from May to August in the northern hemisphere. Found in Grassland, Disturbed ground.

☠ Poisonous
Texas Bull Nettle (Cnidoscolus texanus)

Photo: (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick · iNaturalist

When Texas Bull Nettle appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Texas Bull Nettle is usually found in Grassland, Disturbed ground.

Look up Texas Bull Nettle in the app

In the Forage app, Texas Bull Nettle has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Texas Bull Nettle: common questions

Is Texas Bull Nettle poisonous?

Yes. Texas Bull Nettle is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Texas Bull Nettle appear?

Texas Bull Nettle usually appears from May to August in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Texas Bull Nettle grow?

Texas Bull Nettle is usually found in Grassland, Disturbed ground.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits