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
Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Prunus serotina is a native North American tree known for its dark, edible fruit and foliage that contains cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion of any part of the plant, particularly the leaves and seeds, can be hazardous to pets.
Black CherryPrunus serotinaRum CherryWild Black Cherry
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Deciduous 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
Dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, bright red gums, shock, and potential collapse.
Escalation note
Contains cyanogenic glycosides which release cyanide upon ingestion. This is a medical emergency; contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Excessive drooling, vomiting, labored breathing, weakness, and potential seizures.
Escalation note
The plant material can cause cyanide poisoning, which is life-threatening. Immediate veterinary intervention is required if your dog consumes any part of this tree.
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 Cherry is listed as toxic to cats and dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Prunus serotina is a native tree that can be toxic to livestock and pets if foliage or seeds are ingested.
Questions about Black Cherry
Is Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) toxic to cats?
Yes, Black Cherry is potentially toxic to cats. The leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide upon ingestion, making this a serious medical emergency — not a wait-and-see situation.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating Black Cherry leaves or seeds?
Watch for brick-red or bright-red gums, dilated pupils, rapid or labored breathing, drooling, vomiting, and sudden excitement followed by weakness. As poisoning progresses, gums may turn bluish and the cat can stagger, collapse, or have muscle spasms or seizures.
What should I do if my cat chewed on a Black Cherry twig or pit?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or your vet immediately — do not attempt home treatment or give hydrogen peroxide without veterinary direction. The cyanide antidote (sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate) and oxygen support can only be administered at a clinic. Cats that reach treatment quickly typically recover within 24–48 hours.
How fast does Black Cherry poisoning progress in cats?
Signs can appear within minutes after a large ingestion and within roughly 24 hours for smaller exposures. In high-dose cases, death can occur within one to two hours, so any suspected ingestion of leaves, twigs, or a chewed pit should be treated as an emergency requiring a vet within the hour.
Is Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) toxic to dogs?
Yes, Black Cherry is potentially toxic to dogs. All parts of the tree — leaves, seeds, twigs, and bark — contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause cyanide poisoning, which is life-threatening without prompt treatment.
What are the symptoms of Black Cherry poisoning in dogs?
Watch for bright-red gums (turning bluish as poisoning progresses), dilated pupils, rapid panting or labored breathing, excessive drooling, vomiting, watery eyes, and agitation that gives way to weakness, staggering, collapse, muscle spasms, and seizures.
How quickly does Black Cherry poisoning affect dogs?
A high-dose ingestion can produce signs within minutes and be fatal within 1–2 hours; smaller amounts may not show signs for up to 24 hours. Dogs that reach veterinary treatment quickly typically recover within a day or two with supportive care and antidote.
What should I do if my dog ate Black Cherry leaves or pits?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately — do not wait for symptoms and do not induce vomiting without speaking to a specialist first. Bring a sample of what was chewed (leaves, twigs, or pits) so the vet can estimate the dose. If your dog is panting hard, has blue or bright-red gums, or is staggering or collapsing, drive to the nearest emergency vet now, as cyanide poisoning is treatable only with prompt antidote and oxygen.
Often compared with
Commonly confused with
Same Prunus genus.
Peach
Prunus persica
The peach tree is a deciduous fruit-bearing plant known for its edible stone fruits. While the fruit flesh is generally consumed by humans, the leaves, stems, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that pose a risk to pets if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same Prunus genus.
Sweet Cherry
Prunus avium
Prunus avium is a deciduous tree known for its edible fruit, but its stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful if ingested by pets. It is widely cultivated for fruit production and as an ornamental specimen.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same Prunus genus.
Cherry
Prunus spp.
Cherry trees and shrubs contain cyanogenic glycosides in their stems, leaves, and pits, which can release cyanide when ingested. These plants are considered toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same genus
More from the Prunus genus
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Ohio Buckeye
Aesculus glabra
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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Philodendron
Philodendron spp.
Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.