§ Toxic plants · Berberidaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is mayapple toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) 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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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, panting, coma, skin sores, skin irritation, belly pain, drooling, liver failure and bone marrow suppression. 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 Berberidaceae plants toxic to pets
Mayapple belongs to the Berberidaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about mayapple and pets
Is mayapple toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists mayapple as toxic to cats.
Is mayapple toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists mayapple as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats mayapple?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, panting, coma, skin sores, skin irritation, belly pain, drooling, liver failure and bone marrow suppression. 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.