Pet safety
Is Mayappletoxic to cats & dogs?
Podophyllum peltatum
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Podophyllum peltatum
Is mayapple safe for cats and dogs?
No — mayapple is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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. Podophyllum peltatum is highly toxic to pets and humans. All parts of the plant — roots, leaves, stems, seeds, and unripe fruit — contain podophyllotoxin, a cytotoxic resin that causes severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, and can affect the nervous system. Only fully ripe yellow fruit flesh is reportedly edible in small amounts for humans, but seeds inside remain toxic. ASPCA lists this plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep entirely out of reach of pets and children.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats mayapple?
Podophyllum peltatum is highly toxic to pets and humans. All parts of the plant — roots, leaves, stems, seeds, and unripe fruit — contain podophyllotoxin, a cytotoxic resin that causes severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, and can affect the nervous system. Only fully ripe yellow fruit flesh is reportedly edible in small amounts for humans, but seeds inside remain toxic. ASPCA lists this plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep entirely out of reach of pets and children. 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 mayapple, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate mayapple
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move mayapple 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 mayapple 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 mayapple
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)
Mayapple and pets — frequently asked questions
Is mayapple toxic to cats?
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Podophyllum peltatum is highly toxic to pets and humans. All parts of the plant — roots, leaves, stems, seeds, and unripe fruit — contain podophyllotoxin, a cytotoxic resin that causes severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, and can affect the nervous system. Only fully ripe yellow fruit flesh is reportedly edible in small amounts for humans, but seeds inside remain toxic. ASPCA lists this plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep entirely out of reach of pets and children. 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 mayapple toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like mayapple is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats mayapple?
Podophyllum peltatum is highly toxic to pets and humans. All parts of the plant — roots, leaves, stems, seeds, and unripe fruit — contain podophyllotoxin, a cytotoxic resin that causes severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, and can affect the nervous system. Only fully ripe yellow fruit flesh is reportedly edible in small amounts for humans, but seeds inside remain toxic. ASPCA lists this plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep entirely out of reach of pets and children. 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 mayapple, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate mayapple?
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 mayapple to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to mayapple?
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 mayapple care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete mayapple care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.