§ Toxic plants · Oleaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is wax-leaf ligustrum toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Wax-leaf ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum) 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 diarrhea, vomiting, wobbliness or poor coordination, fast heartbeat and belly pain. 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 Oleaceae plants toxic to pets
Wax-leaf ligustrum belongs to the Oleaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about wax-leaf ligustrum and pets
Is wax-leaf ligustrum toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists wax-leaf ligustrum as toxic to cats.
Is wax-leaf ligustrum toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists wax-leaf ligustrum as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats wax-leaf ligustrum?
Signs include diarrhea, vomiting, wobbliness or poor coordination, fast heartbeat and belly pain. 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 wax-leaf ligustrum called?
Wax-leaf ligustrum is also sold or known as Japanese tree lilac.