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

§ Toxic plants · Santalaceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is leafy mistletoes toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Leafy mistletoes (Phoradendron spp.) 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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Leafy mistletoes (Phoradendron spp.)
Photo: (c) Bob Miller, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bob Miller, via iNaturalist

§ 010 · Signs

What to watch for

Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, trouble breathing and slow heartbeat. 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 Santalaceae plants toxic to pets

Leafy mistletoes belongs to the Santalaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about leafy mistletoes and pets

Is leafy mistletoes toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists leafy mistletoes as toxic to cats.

Is leafy mistletoes toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists leafy mistletoes as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats leafy mistletoes?

Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, trouble breathing and slow heartbeat. 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.

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) Bob Miller, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bob Miller, via iNaturalist, source.

Checked Oct 2026.