§ Toxic plants · Clusiaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is balsam toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Balsam (Clusia major) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Moderate, level 2 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting and belly pain. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about balsam and pets
Is balsam toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists balsam as toxic to cats.
Is balsam toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists balsam as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats balsam?
Signs include vomiting and belly pain. Plant Smart rates it Moderate, level 2 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.
What else is balsam called?
Balsam is also sold or known as wild balsam.