Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
American Linden
Tilia americana
The American Linden is a large, deciduous shade tree known for its fragrant flowers and heart-shaped leaves. It is considered safe for pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
American BasswoodBasswoodLindenTilia americana
- 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
None expected, though excessive ingestion of fibrous leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Non-toxic. If your cat consumes a large quantity and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected, though excessive ingestion of fibrous leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Non-toxic. If your dog consumes a large quantity and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
American Lindenis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Linden is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Tilia americana is a native deciduous tree valued for its shade and fragrant flowers.
Questions about American Linden
Is American Linden toxic to cats?
American Linden (Tilia americana) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning exposure to the leaves, flowers, or bark is not expected to cause poisoning.
What happens if my cat eats American Linden leaves?
No toxic symptoms are expected, but consuming a large amount of fibrous leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea from the bulk plant material alone, not from any toxic compound.
What should I do if my cat ate a large amount of American Linden?
Because American Linden is non-toxic, a small nibble requires no treatment. If your cat ate a significant quantity and is showing vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Does the amount of American Linden a cat eats matter?
Non-toxic does not mean harmless in large quantities — the fibrous leaves can irritate a cat's digestive tract if eaten in excess, potentially causing mild GI upset. Small amounts are not a concern.
Is American Linden toxic to dogs?
No, American Linden (Tilia americana) is non-toxic to dogs. It is considered generally safe, with no toxic compounds identified that would harm dogs who chew on leaves, flowers, or bark.
What happens if my dog eats American Linden leaves?
Eating a small amount is unlikely to cause any problem. If your dog consumes a large quantity of the fibrous leaves, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk material, not any toxic principle.
Should I be worried if my dog ate part of an American Linden tree?
Probably not — the tree is non-toxic to dogs. Monitor your dog for signs of digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea if they ate a significant amount, and contact your veterinarian if symptoms appear or your dog seems distressed.
Which parts of the American Linden are safe around dogs?
All parts of the American Linden — leaves, fragrant flowers, and bark — are considered non-toxic to dogs. That said, non-toxic does not mean harmless in large quantities; ingesting a lot of any plant material can cause GI upset.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Cosmos
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Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Calathea
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Calathea are popular tropical houseplants known for their striking, patterned foliage and rhythmic leaf movement. They are considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Dwarf Date Palm
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Hanging Lobster Claw
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Heliconia rostrata is a tropical perennial known for its dramatic, pendulous inflorescences. While generally considered non-toxic to pets, ingestion of any plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.