§ Toxic plants · Ranunculaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is Christmas-rose toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Christmas-rose (Helleborus niger) 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 drooling, belly pain, diarrhea and dullness or depression. 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 Ranunculaceae plants toxic to pets
Christmas-rose belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about Christmas-rose and pets
Is Christmas-rose toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists Christmas-rose as toxic to cats.
Is Christmas-rose toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists Christmas-rose as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats Christmas-rose?
Signs include drooling, belly pain, diarrhea and dullness or depression. 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 Christmas-rose called?
Christmas-rose is also sold or known as black hellebore.