Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Water Hickory
Carya aquatica
Carya aquatica is a deciduous tree native to wetlands, known for its bitter, inedible nuts and compound leaves. It is considered non-toxic to household pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Bitter PecanCarya aquaticaSwamp HickoryWater Hickory
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Tree
- Care
- Low
Safety status
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.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None expected, though excessive ingestion of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
The plant is non-toxic. If your cat consumes a large quantity and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected, though excessive ingestion of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
The plant is non-toxic. If your dog consumes a large quantity and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Bring it home
Water Hickoryis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Bitter Pecan is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Carya aquatica is a deciduous tree in the Juglandaceae family, native to the southeastern United States.
Questions about Water Hickory
Is Water Hickory toxic to cats?
Water Hickory (Carya aquatica) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning exposure is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm.
What happens if my cat eats Water Hickory leaves or nuts?
No toxic effects are expected, but consuming a large amount of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms should be brief and self-limiting.
How much Water Hickory would my cat have to eat to get sick?
Water Hickory has no toxic compounds that would harm your cat, so illness from a small nibble is unlikely. Only a very large ingestion of fibrous leaves or bitter nut material would be expected to cause any digestive upset, and even then the effect would be mild.
My cat ate some Water Hickory — do I need to call my vet?
A small amount is not cause for alarm given the plant's non-toxic classification. If your cat consumed a large quantity and is vomiting repeatedly, has diarrhea, or seems lethargic, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Is Water Hickory toxic to dogs?
Water Hickory (Carya aquatica) is considered non-toxic to dogs. Based on available data verified through an ASPCA provenance audit, no toxic compounds are documented for this plant.
What happens if a dog eats Water Hickory leaves or nuts?
No toxic effects are expected. If your dog eats a large amount of fibrous plant material or the bitter nuts, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to digestive upset, not poisoning.
What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of Water Hickory?
Water Hickory is non-toxic, so serious harm is unlikely, but if your dog consumed a significant quantity and is showing vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Can dogs be around Water Hickory trees safely?
Yes, Water Hickory is non-toxic to dogs, so proximity to the tree is not a concern. Keep in mind that eating large amounts of any plant material can cause mild GI upset, so discouraging your dog from grazing on leaves or nuts is still sensible.
Often compared with
Same genus
More from the Carya genus
Mockernut Hickory
Carya tomentosa
The Mockernut Hickory is a large deciduous tree native to North America, known for its dense wood and edible nuts. It is considered non-toxic to household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Not yet rated for cats.
Not yet rated for dogs.
Pignut Hickory
Carya glabra
Pignut Hickory is a native North American hardwood tree known for its dense wood and small, pear-shaped nuts. It is generally considered safe for pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Not yet rated for cats.
Generally safe for dogs.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Caroba
Jacaranda procera
Caroba is a tropical flowering tree known for its fern-like foliage and clusters of trumpet-shaped purple flowers. It is considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
American Chestnut
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The American Chestnut is a deciduous tree known for its historical significance and edible nuts. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Carob
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Carob is a Mediterranean evergreen tree known for its edible pods, which are commonly used as a chocolate substitute. It is considered safe for pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cinnamon
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Cinnamon is a popular aromatic spice derived from the bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus. While generally considered safe for pets, large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
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