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.
dog safety reference
Is Geranium Aralia safe for dogs?
Polyscias guilfoylei
Polyscias guilfoylei is a tropical evergreen shrub often grown as an ornamental houseplant for its attractive, lacy foliage. It contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by household pets.
Coffee TreeGeranium AraliaGuilfoyle's AraliaPolyscias guilfoylei
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Upright shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs: geranium aralia (sold as coffee tree) is toxic, but signs are usually limited to the mouth and digestive tract. ASPCA identifies saponin as the toxic principle and lists vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, and contact dermatitis among the clinical signs. A dog that chews a leaf typically gets an irritated mouth and a queasy stomach for a day or two.
What to watch for
Watch for vomiting (most common), reduced appetite, low energy, and skin redness or itching where leaves or sap touched the dog. Diarrhea may follow. The taste is unpleasant enough that most dogs stop on their own, but puppies and chewers may go back for more.
Time window
ASPCA does not give a specific time window. Saponin-related GI signs in dogs typically begin within a few hours and resolve in 24–48 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if vomiting is repeated, if appetite has not returned within 24 hours, if your dog seems lethargic beyond a brief stomach upset, or if a small-breed dog or puppy has eaten more than a leaf or two.
Sources: ASPCA (no specific first-aid guidance).
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.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Oral irritation, intense drooling, vomiting, and potential gastrointestinal distress.
Escalation note
Symptoms are generally localized to the mouth and digestive tract. Consult your veterinarian for guidance if ingestion is suspected.
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
Questions about Geranium Aralia
Is Geranium Aralia toxic to dogs?
Yes, Geranium Aralia (Polyscias guilfoylei) is potentially toxic to dogs. It contains irritating compounds that can cause oral irritation, intense drooling, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress if ingested.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating Geranium Aralia?
Expect oral irritation and intense drooling first, often followed by vomiting and possible diarrhea. You may also notice reduced appetite, low energy, or skin redness where leaves or sap touched your dog. The plant's unpleasant taste causes most dogs to stop on their own, but puppies and persistent chewers may return for more.
What should I do if my dog ate Geranium Aralia?
Remove your dog's access to the plant and rinse their mouth with water if they'll allow it. Monitor for repeated vomiting, lethargy beyond brief stomach upset, or loss of appetite lasting more than 24 hours — call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if any of those occur. Small-breed dogs or puppies that ate more than a leaf or two warrant a call even if symptoms are mild.
How long do Geranium Aralia poisoning symptoms last in dogs?
GI signs typically begin within a few hours of ingestion and generally resolve within 24–48 hours with supportive care, according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA does not specify a precise onset window, but saponin-related irritation in dogs follows this general pattern.
Same dog verdict
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