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

§ Toxic plants · Amaranthaceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is Jerusalem oak toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Jerusalem oak (Chenopodium botrys) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Critical, level 4 of 4.

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Jerusalem oak (Chenopodium botrys)
Photo: (c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), via iNaturalist

§ 010 · Signs

What to watch for

Signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, dullness or depression, respiratory failure and trouble breathing. 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 Amaranthaceae plants toxic to pets

Jerusalem oak belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about Jerusalem oak and pets

Is Jerusalem oak toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists Jerusalem oak as toxic to cats.

Is Jerusalem oak toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists Jerusalem oak as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats Jerusalem oak?

Signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, dullness or depression, respiratory failure and trouble breathing. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Plant Smart rates it Critical, level 4 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 Jerusalem oak called?

Jerusalem oak is also sold or known as low goosefoot.

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) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), via iNaturalist, source.

Checked Oct 2026.