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
Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
Crape Myrtle is a popular ornamental shrub or small tree known for its vibrant, crinkled summer blooms and exfoliating bark. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Crepe MyrtleLagerstroemia indica
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Upright shrub or 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 large ingestions of fibrous plant matter may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected, though large ingestions of fibrous plant matter may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Crape Myrtleis 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
Crape Myrtle is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Lagerstroemia indica is a deciduous shrub or small tree widely used in landscapes for its showy flowers.
Questions about Crape Myrtle
Is crape myrtle toxic to cats?
Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning, though non-toxic does not mean harmless if eaten in large amounts.
What happens if my cat eats crape myrtle leaves or flowers?
Large ingestions of crape myrtle's fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to GI irritation, but serious toxicity is not expected. Most cats that nibble on the plant will show no symptoms at all.
How much crape myrtle would make a cat sick?
No toxic dose has been established because crape myrtle is not considered a poisonous plant for cats. Digestive upset is only likely if a cat consumes a significant amount of fibrous leaves or bark; a small nibble is very unlikely to cause any problem.
What should I do if my cat ate crape myrtle?
A small amount of crape myrtle is not a medical emergency for cats. Monitor your cat for vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress. If your cat ate a large quantity and is showing GI symptoms that persist or worsen, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Is crape myrtle toxic to dogs?
Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm if a dog chews on leaves, flowers, or bark.
What happens if my dog eats crape myrtle leaves or flowers?
No toxic symptoms are expected from crape myrtle ingestion. If your dog eats a large amount of fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk, not any toxic compound.
How much crape myrtle would make a dog sick?
There is no known toxic dose because crape myrtle is not considered a poisonous plant for dogs. Digestive upset from large ingestions is a mechanical issue — too much fibrous matter — rather than a toxicity reaction.
My dog ate crape myrtle — do I need to call the vet?
A small amount is very unlikely to cause any problem and generally requires no action. If your dog ate a large quantity and is vomiting repeatedly, has diarrhea, or seems lethargic, contact your veterinarian to rule out GI obstruction from the fibrous material.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Calathea
Calathea spp.
Calathea are popular tropical houseplants known for their striking, patterned foliage and rhythmic leaf movement. They are considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Dwarf Date Palm
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The Dwarf Date Palm is a slow-growing, stemless palm species native to the grasslands of India. It is widely appreciated for its compact, architectural foliage that mimics the appearance of larger date palms in a miniature form.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Hanging Lobster Claw
Heliconia rostrata
Heliconia rostrata is a tropical perennial known for its dramatic, pendulous inflorescences. While generally considered non-toxic to pets, ingestion of any plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.