Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
dog safety reference
Is Australian Ivy Palm safe for dogs?
Brassaia actinophylla
The Australian Ivy Palm is a popular indoor tree known for its large, umbrella-like leaves. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon ingestion.
Brassaia actinophyllaOctopus TreeSchefflera actinophyllaUmbrella Tree
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Upright tree
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs that chew Australian Ivy Palm — sold under names like schefflera or umbrella tree — get a mouthful of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals plus terpenoids and saponins. The reaction is sharp local pain rather than systemic poisoning, so most dogs ride it out with oral irritation and a bout of vomiting and recover with supportive care.
What to watch for
Pawing at the mouth and head-shaking come first, often within minutes of chewing, followed by heavy drooling. Watch for swelling around the lips, tongue, or throat, repeated vomiting, and reluctance to eat. Severe airway swelling is rare but is the reason this isn't a watch-and-wait plant.
Time window
Oral irritation typically begins within minutes of contact; with supportive care most dogs are back to normal within 12–24 hours. Fatalities are extremely rare.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 any time you see persistent drooling, mouth or tongue swelling, refusal to eat, or repeated vomiting. Go in immediately if your dog is struggling to breathe or swallow.
First aid at home
Remove any plant material still in the mouth and gently flush your dog's mouth with cool water before calling. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control specialist tells you to.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing due to tissue irritation.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in localized irritation rather than systemic poisoning. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed any part of the plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Toxic to dogs and cats due to insoluble calcium oxalates.
Same dog verdict
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