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

§ Toxic plants · Asparagaceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is New Zealand cabbage tree toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. New Zealand cabbage tree (Cordyline australis) 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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New Zealand cabbage tree (Cordyline australis)
Photo: (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz, via iNaturalist

§ 010 · Signs

What to watch for

Signs include vomiting, dullness or depression, loss of appetite, drooling and dilated pupils. 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 Asparagaceae plants toxic to pets

New Zealand cabbage tree belongs to the Asparagaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about New Zealand cabbage tree and pets

Is New Zealand cabbage tree toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists New Zealand cabbage tree as toxic to cats.

Is New Zealand cabbage tree toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists New Zealand cabbage tree as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats New Zealand cabbage tree?

Signs include vomiting, dullness or depression, loss of appetite, drooling and dilated pupils. 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) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz, via iNaturalist, source.

Checked Oct 2026.