Pet safety
Is Maple-Leaved Waterleaftoxic to cats & dogs?
Hydrophyllum canadense
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 Hydrophyllum canadense
Is maple-leaved waterleaf safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags maple-leaved waterleaf 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. Hydrophyllum canadense is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No known toxic principle is documented in horticultural or toxicological references. Classified mildly-toxic as a precaution given the absence of confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing; seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests significant quantities.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats maple-leaved waterleaf?
Hydrophyllum canadense is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No known toxic principle is documented in horticultural or toxicological references. Classified mildly-toxic as a precaution given the absence of confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing; seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests significant quantities. 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 maple-leaved waterleaf, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate maple-leaved waterleaf
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move maple-leaved waterleaf 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 maple-leaved waterleaf 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 maple-leaved waterleaf
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:
- Basil — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Herb garden — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Rosemary — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Thyme — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Maple-Leaved Waterleaf and pets — frequently asked questions
Is maple-leaved waterleaf toxic to cats?
Maple-Leaved Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum canadense) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Hydrophyllum canadense is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No known toxic principle is documented in horticultural or toxicological references. Classified mildly-toxic as a precaution given the absence of confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing; seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests significant quantities. 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 maple-leaved waterleaf toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Maple-Leaved Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum canadense) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like maple-leaved waterleaf is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats maple-leaved waterleaf?
Hydrophyllum canadense is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No known toxic principle is documented in horticultural or toxicological references. Classified mildly-toxic as a precaution given the absence of confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing; seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests significant quantities. 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 maple-leaved waterleaf, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate maple-leaved waterleaf?
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 maple-leaved waterleaf to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to maple-leaved waterleaf?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include basil, herb garden, rosemary, thyme. 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 maple-leaved waterleaf care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete maple-leaved waterleaf care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.