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 Locust
Robinia spp.
Robinia species, commonly known as locust trees, contain toxic proteins and alkaloids throughout the bark, leaves, and seeds. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal and neurological distress in pets.
Black LocustFalse AcaciaRobinia pseudoacaciaRobinia spp.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- 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, abdominal pain, weakness, and potential cardiac irregularities.
Escalation note
Ingestion of any part of the plant is considered a medical emergency. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, depression, and potential neurological signs such as ataxia or weakness.
Escalation note
The plant contains toxins that can cause severe systemic reactions. Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog has consumed 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 Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is listed as toxic to cats and dogs, causing gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Robinia pseudoacacia is a deciduous tree known for its toxic properties if ingested by animals.
Questions about Black Locust
Is Black Locust toxic to cats?
Yes, Black Locust (Robinia spp.) is toxic to cats. The bark, leaves, and seeds all contain toxic proteins and alkaloids, and ingestion of any part is considered a medical emergency.
What symptoms will a cat show after eating Black Locust?
Watch for vomiting (sometimes bloody), diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain, weakness, depression, refusal to eat, dilated pupils, cold extremities, and labored breathing. Severe cases can progress to collapse and potential cardiac irregularities.
What should I do if my cat chewed on a Black Locust plant?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Do not attempt home remedies or induce vomiting without first speaking to a poison control specialist. Bring a piece of the plant or a seed pod to help with identification.
How quickly do Black Locust poisoning symptoms appear in cats?
Exact onset times are not well documented, but both the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline treat Black Locust ingestion as an emergency rather than a wait-and-see situation — assume signs can appear within hours of ingestion.
Is black locust tree toxic to dogs?
Yes, black locust (Robinia spp.) is potentially toxic to dogs. The bark, leaves, seeds, and pods all contain toxic proteins and alkaloids that can cause significant gastrointestinal and neurological harm. Any exposure should be treated as a medical concern.
What symptoms does black locust poisoning cause in dogs?
Early signs include vomiting, depression, and refusing food. As poisoning progresses, dogs may develop diarrhea, weakness, ataxia (unsteady gait), labored breathing, and bloody stool. The ASPCA notes severe cases can be fatal, so any of these signs after a known or suspected exposure is an emergency.
What should I do if my dog ate part of a black locust tree?
Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth and keep them away from the tree, then call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison control specifically directs you to.
Which parts of the black locust tree are poisonous to dogs?
All parts of the black locust tree — including the bark, leaves, seeds, pods, and sprouts — are considered toxic. There is no safe part to chew or ingest; call your vet right away if your dog has accessed any portion of the tree.
Same safety verdict
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