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

§ Toxic plants · Araliaceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is umbrella trees toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Umbrella trees (Schefflera spp.) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Mild, level 1 of 4.

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Umbrella trees (Schefflera spp.)
Photo: (c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY), via iNaturalist

§ 010 · Signs

What to watch for

Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, mouth irritation, drooling and trouble swallowing. 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 Araliaceae plants toxic to pets

Umbrella trees belongs to the Araliaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about umbrella trees and pets

Is umbrella trees toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists umbrella trees as toxic to cats.

Is umbrella trees toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists umbrella trees as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats umbrella trees?

Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, mouth irritation, drooling and trouble swallowing. Plant Smart rates it Mild, level 1 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) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY), via iNaturalist, source.

Checked Oct 2026.