§ Toxic plants · Rosaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is black cherry toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Severe, level 3 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include dilated pupils, trouble breathing, panting and shock. 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.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Rosaceae plants toxic to pets
Black cherry belongs to the Rosaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about black cherry and pets
Is black cherry toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists black cherry as toxic to cats.
Is black cherry toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists black cherry as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats black cherry?
Signs include dilated pupils, trouble breathing, panting and shock. Plant Smart rates it Severe, level 3 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 black cherry called?
Black cherry is also sold or known as escarpment black cherry, eastern black cherry, alabama cherry and western black cherry.