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.
Pet safety reference
Black Haw
Viburnum lentago
Black Haw is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its clusters of white flowers and dark, edible berries. It is widely considered safe for household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Black HawNannyberrySheepberryViburnum lentago
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Shrub or small 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 typically expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None typically expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Black Hawis 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 and Non-Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Black Haw is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Viburnum lentago is a native shrub that provides wildlife value and is generally regarded as safe for pets.
Questions about Black Haw
Is Black Haw toxic to cats?
Black Haw (Viburnum lentago) is generally considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as safe with high confidence, meaning occasional contact or small ingestions are not expected to cause harm.
What happens if my cat eats Black Haw berries or leaves?
No toxic effects are typically expected. If your cat consumes a large amount of the fibrous plant material, it may experience mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the bulk, not any toxic compound.
What should I do if my cat ate a large amount of Black Haw?
Monitor your cat for signs of GI upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat consumed a significant amount and shows signs of distress or symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian.
Does 'non-toxic' mean Black Haw is safe for cats to eat freely?
Non-toxic does not mean safe in unlimited quantities. Large ingestions of any fibrous plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats, so it is best to discourage your cat from eating Black Haw even though it is not considered poisonous.
Is Black Haw toxic to dogs?
Black Haw (Viburnum lentago) is generally considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as safe with high confidence based on an ASPCA provenance audit, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning if your dog chews on or eats part of the plant.
What happens if my dog eats Black Haw berries or leaves?
Symptoms are not typically expected, but ingesting large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the bulk and fiber content rather than any toxic compounds. Most dogs who sample the plant will show no reaction at all.
How much Black Haw is dangerous for a dog?
No toxic dose has been established for Black Haw because it is not considered a toxic plant. The only documented concern is GI upset from eating large quantities of fibrous material — the same way eating a large amount of any plant matter can upset a dog's stomach. A small nibble is very unlikely to cause any problem.
What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of Black Haw?
Black Haw is generally safe, but if your dog consumed a significant amount and is showing signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, contact your veterinarian. Non-toxic does not mean harmless in large quantities, and GI upset is possible from the plant's fibrous bulk.
Same safety verdict
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