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
Doghobble
Leucothoe spp.
Leucothoe is a genus of evergreen shrubs known for their arching branches and drooping clusters of bell-shaped flowers. These plants contain grayanotoxins, which are harmful if ingested by household pets.
Black LaurelDoghobbleFetterbushLeucothoe spp.
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Habit
- Shrub
- 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, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and potential cardiac irregularities.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to serious systemic effects due to grayanotoxins; contact your veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Excessive salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and potential tremors or cardiac distress.
Escalation note
The plant is considered highly toxic to dogs; seek emergency veterinary care if any part of the plant is consumed.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Black Laurel contains grayanotoxins which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiovascular issues in pets.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Leucothoe species are evergreen shrubs that are known to be toxic to animals if ingested.
Often compared with
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Azalea
Rhododendron spp
Azaleas are flowering shrubs in the Rhododendron genus that contain grayanotoxins, which can cause significant illness if ingested by pets. These plants are highly toxic and require immediate veterinary attention if consumption is suspected.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Barbados Pride
Poinciana gilliesii
Barbados Pride is a flowering shrub known for its striking yellow flowers and long red stamens. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Boxwood
Buxus spp.
Boxwood is a popular evergreen shrub often used for hedging and topiary, containing steroidal alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested. It is considered toxic to both cats and dogs.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Castor Bean
Ricinus communis
The African Wonder Tree is a fast-growing ornamental shrub known for its large, palm-like leaves and unique seed pods. It contains ricin, a highly potent toxin found throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the seeds.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.