Pet safety
Is European Cypress (Goldcrest Lemon Cypress)toxic to cats & dogs?
Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'
Is european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress) safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress) as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. 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. Cupressus macrocarpa is NOT included on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant list, so there is no official ASPCA safety rating for it, and secondary sources disagree - several call lemon cypress non-toxic while others report mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting) from the aromatic foliage and oils. Because the evidence is ambiguous, do not assume it is safe: keep it away from cats, dogs and curious children, and contact your vet or a pet poison line if any plant material is eaten.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress)?
Cupressus macrocarpa is NOT included on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant list, so there is no official ASPCA safety rating for it, and secondary sources disagree - several call lemon cypress non-toxic while others report mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting) from the aromatic foliage and oils. Because the evidence is ambiguous, do not assume it is safe: keep it away from cats, dogs and curious children, and contact your vet or a pet poison line if any plant material is eaten. 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 european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress)
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress) 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 european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress) 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 european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress)
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:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
European Cypress (Goldcrest Lemon Cypress) and pets — frequently asked questions
Is european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress) toxic to cats?
European Cypress (Goldcrest Lemon Cypress) (Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest') is mildly toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. Cupressus macrocarpa is NOT included on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant list, so there is no official ASPCA safety rating for it, and secondary sources disagree - several call lemon cypress non-toxic while others report mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting) from the aromatic foliage and oils. Because the evidence is ambiguous, do not assume it is safe: keep it away from cats, dogs and curious children, and contact your vet or a pet poison line if any plant material is eaten. 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 european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress) toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: European Cypress (Goldcrest Lemon Cypress) is mildly toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress) is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress)?
Cupressus macrocarpa is NOT included on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant list, so there is no official ASPCA safety rating for it, and secondary sources disagree - several call lemon cypress non-toxic while others report mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting) from the aromatic foliage and oils. Because the evidence is ambiguous, do not assume it is safe: keep it away from cats, dogs and curious children, and contact your vet or a pet poison line if any plant material is eaten. 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 european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress)?
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 european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress) to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress)?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail palm. 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 european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress) care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress) care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.