Pet safety
Is Upright Plum Yewtoxic to cats & dogs?
Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata'
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata'
Is upright plum yew safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Upright Plum Yew is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Cephalotaxus harringtonia is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats, but it belongs to Cephalotaxaceae, a family that contains homoharringtonine and related alkaloids which may be harmful if ingested. Treat as potentially toxic — keep pets away from foliage and berries as a precaution.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats upright plum yew?
Cephalotaxus harringtonia is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats, but it belongs to Cephalotaxaceae, a family that contains homoharringtonine and related alkaloids which may be harmful if ingested. Treat as potentially toxic — keep pets away from foliage and berries as a precaution. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to upright plum yew, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate upright plum yew
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move upright plum yew out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of upright plum yew to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to upright plum yew
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Upright Plum Yew and pets — frequently asked questions
Is upright plum yew toxic to cats?
Upright Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Cephalotaxus harringtonia is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats, but it belongs to Cephalotaxaceae, a family that contains homoharringtonine and related alkaloids which may be harmful if ingested. Treat as potentially toxic — keep pets away from foliage and berries as a precaution. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is upright plum yew toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Upright Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like upright plum yew is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats upright plum yew?
Cephalotaxus harringtonia is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats, but it belongs to Cephalotaxaceae, a family that contains homoharringtonine and related alkaloids which may be harmful if ingested. Treat as potentially toxic — keep pets away from foliage and berries as a precaution. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to upright plum yew, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate upright plum yew?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of upright plum yew to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to upright plum yew?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full upright plum yew care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete upright plum yew care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.