Ezina · A Field Manual for Plant Care · United States Vol. I · Ed. 2027 · Proof copy

§ Toxic plants · Fabaceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is black locust toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) 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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Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Photo: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Douglas Goldman, via iNaturalist

§ 010 · Signs

What to watch for

Signs include vomiting, dullness or depression, loss of appetite, weakness, trouble breathing, diarrhea, belly pain, wobbliness or poor coordination and dilated pupils. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. 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 Fabaceae plants toxic to pets

Black locust belongs to the Fabaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about black locust and pets

Is black locust toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists black locust as toxic to cats.

Is black locust toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists black locust as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats black locust?

Signs include vomiting, dullness or depression, loss of appetite, weakness, trouble breathing, diarrhea, belly pain, wobbliness or poor coordination and dilated pupils. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. 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.

Changes

5 Oct 2026: page drafted.

Sources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.

Plant Smart: Plant Smart: plants toxic to pets.

Photo: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Douglas Goldman, via iNaturalist, source.

Checked Oct 2026.