Pet safety
Is Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil'toxic to cats & dogs?
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Donna May' (Little Devil)
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Physocarpus opulifolius 'Donna May' (Little Devil)
Is physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil' safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil' is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's 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. Physocarpus opulifolius is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant lists, nor classed as toxic by the USDA, but the bark is reported to cause vomiting or diarrhoea if eaten by dogs or cats. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests a quantity.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil'?
Physocarpus opulifolius is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant lists, nor classed as toxic by the USDA, but the bark is reported to cause vomiting or diarrhoea if eaten by dogs or cats. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests a quantity. 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 physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil' 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 physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil' 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 physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil'
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)
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil' toxic to cats?
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil' (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Donna May' (Little Devil)) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Physocarpus opulifolius is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant lists, nor classed as toxic by the USDA, but the bark is reported to cause vomiting or diarrhoea if eaten by dogs or cats. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests a quantity. 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 physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little Devil' (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Donna May' (Little Devil)) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil'?
Physocarpus opulifolius is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant lists, nor classed as toxic by the USDA, but the bark is reported to cause vomiting or diarrhoea if eaten by dogs or cats. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests a quantity. 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 physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil'?
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 physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil'?
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 physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete physocarpus opulifolius 'little devil' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.