Crape Myrtle — Camphora
Photo by CamphoraWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0
dog safety reference

Is Crape Myrtle safe for dogs?

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

Dogs

Generally safe

Consulted 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.

What this means for your dog

Crape myrtle is non-toxic to dogs per the ASPCA, so a chewed leaf or fallen flower from the yard is not a poisoning concern — though dogs that bolt down a lot of woody plant material can still get a transient stomach ache.

Sources: ASPCA.

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.

Dogsconcern 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

Open source

Crape Myrtle is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Lagerstroemia indica is a deciduous shrub or small tree widely used in landscapes for its showy flowers.

Cats & dogs pagecats page

Questions about Crape Myrtle

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.

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