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
Autumn Olive
Elaeagnus umbellata
Autumn Olive is a hardy, deciduous shrub known for its silvery foliage and edible berries. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Autumn OliveElaeagnus umbellataJapanese SilverberrySpreading Oleaster
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Shrub
- 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 typically expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is considered 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 typically expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a large quantity and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Bring it home
Autumn Oliveis 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
Autumn Olive is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Elaeagnus umbellata is a deciduous shrub that produces edible fruit and is widely naturalized.
Questions about Autumn Olive
Is Autumn Olive toxic to cats?
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm if your cat chews on the foliage or berries.
What happens if my cat eats Autumn Olive berries or leaves?
Symptoms are not typically expected, but consuming large amounts of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Most cats that nibble on Autumn Olive will show no ill effects at all.
Should I call my vet if my cat ate a lot of Autumn Olive?
If your cat ate a small amount, monitoring at home is reasonable — non-toxic does not mean it is beneficial to eat in quantity, and large ingestions of fibrous plant matter can cause temporary GI upset. If your cat is vomiting repeatedly, lethargic, or seems distressed after eating a large quantity, contact your veterinarian.
What parts of the Autumn Olive plant are safe for cats?
The plant as a whole — including leaves, berries, and stems — is considered non-toxic to cats. That said, no part of the plant is intended as cat food, and eating significant quantities of any fibrous plant material can cause minor digestive discomfort regardless of toxicity.
Is Autumn Olive toxic to dogs?
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning if your dog chews on the leaves, berries, or stems.
What happens if my dog eats Autumn Olive berries or leaves?
Most dogs will have no reaction at all. If your dog consumes a large amount of fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk, not any toxic compound.
My dog ate a lot of Autumn Olive — should I be worried?
Autumn Olive is non-toxic, so true poisoning is not a concern. Watch for signs of GI upset like vomiting or loose stools if your dog ate a significant quantity; these should resolve on their own, but contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist or your dog seems distressed.
Does the non-toxic label mean Autumn Olive is safe for dogs to eat freely?
Non-toxic means the plant contains no compounds known to poison dogs, but that does not make it a suitable food. Large ingestions of any fibrous shrub material can cause digestive discomfort, so it is best to discourage your dog from eating it in quantity.
Same genus
More from the Elaeagnus genus
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Bottlebrush
Callistemon citrinus
Bottlebrush is a popular evergreen shrub known for its unique, spike-like flowers that resemble a cleaning brush. It is generally considered safe for pets, though its fibrous nature may cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Camellia
Camellia japonica
Camellia is a popular evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green leaves and showy, rose-like flowers. 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.
Creosote Bush
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Flame of the Woods
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Flame of the Woods is a popular tropical shrub known for its vibrant, dense clusters of star-shaped flowers. It is considered safe for households with pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.