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
Chinaberry
Melia azedarach
The Bead Tree is a deciduous tree known for its fragrant purple flowers and yellow berries, which contain toxic compounds. All parts of the plant, especially the fruit, are considered harmful if ingested by pets.
ChinaberryMelia azedarachPersian LilacWhite Cedar
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Upright, spreading 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
Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, lethargy, and in severe cases, neurological signs such as tremors or seizures.
Escalation note
Ingestion of the berries or bark can lead to significant gastrointestinal and systemic distress. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, and potential central nervous system depression.
Escalation note
The fruit is highly toxic to dogs and can cause rapid onset of clinical signs. Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog has consumed any part of this plant.
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
Chinaberry contains meliatoxins which can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms in pets.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Melia azedarach is a deciduous tree that is toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
Questions about Chinaberry
Is Chinaberry toxic to cats?
Yes, Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) is toxic to cats. All parts of the plant are considered harmful, with the berries and bark posing the greatest risk. Ingestion can cause significant gastrointestinal and systemic distress.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating Chinaberry?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, and lethargy. With larger ingestions, neurological signs such as tremors, unsteadiness, seizures, or changes in mental state are also possible. GI symptoms can develop within a few hours of ingestion.
What should I do if my cat ate any part of a Chinaberry tree?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately — do not wait for severe symptoms to appear. This is especially urgent if berries were involved. Prompt contact is recommended even for small ingestions.
Are Chinaberry berries more dangerous than other parts of the plant?
The berries and bark are considered the most harmful parts, but all parts of the Chinaberry tree are toxic to cats. Ingestion of berries in particular is associated with the most serious outcomes, including neurological signs like seizures in addition to GI distress.
Is chinaberry toxic to dogs?
Yes, chinaberry (Melia azedarach) is considered highly toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant are harmful, with the fruit (berries) posing the greatest danger. The ASPCA classifies it as potentially toxic, and ingestion can cause serious, rapid-onset illness.
What symptoms will a dog show after eating chinaberry?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), drooling, abdominal pain, weakness, and depression. Larger ingestions can progress to neurological effects such as tremors, ataxia (wobbling), seizures, and collapse. GI signs can appear within a few hours, with neurological deterioration possible over the following 24 hours.
What should I do if my dog ate chinaberry berries?
Do not wait for symptoms — call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Chinaberry is one of the plants where delaying until signs appear is risky. Any suspected ingestion of berries, bark, leaves, or flowers warrants an urgent call.
Which part of the chinaberry tree is most dangerous to dogs?
The fruit (yellow berries) is the most toxic part and is associated with the most severe cases. However, all parts of the plant — including the bark, leaves, and flowers — are considered harmful and should be kept away from dogs.
Same safety verdict
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