Cats & 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
Pet safety reference
Christmas Rose
Helleborus niger
The Christmas Rose is a perennial flowering plant known for its winter blooms, but it contains cardiac glycosides that are harmful if ingested. It is considered toxic to both cats and dogs.
Black HelleboreChristmas RoseHelleborus niger
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Habit
- Clumping perennial
- Care
- Moderate
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
Drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential cardiac arrhythmias.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to serious health complications due to the presence of protoanemonin and cardiac glycosides. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in severe cases, tremors or heart rate irregularities.
Escalation note
The plant is toxic to dogs and can cause significant gastrointestinal distress and systemic effects. Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog has consumed any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Helleborus niger is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs, containing cardiac glycosides.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted scientific name and botanical classification for Helleborus niger.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Golden Ragwort
Senecio species
Golden Ragwort is a flowering perennial known for its bright yellow blooms and foliage. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause significant health issues if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Iris
Iris species
Iris species are popular perennial garden plants known for their showy, complex flowers and sword-like foliage. They contain chemical compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Showy Fleabane
Erigeron speciosus
Erigeron speciosus is a perennial flowering plant in the daisy family known for its showy, lavender-blue blooms. While popular in gardens, it is considered toxic to household pets if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Skunk Cabbage
Symplocarpus foetidus
Skunk Cabbage is a wetland-dwelling perennial known for its distinct odor and early spring emergence. It contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation upon ingestion.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.