Black Haw — (c) Emily Summerbell, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Emily Summerbell
Photo by (c) Emily Summerbell, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Emily SummerbelliNaturalistCC BY
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

Cats & Dogs

Generally safe

Consulted 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.

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.

Catsconcern 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.

Dogsconcern 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.

Shop on Amazon

Some links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Black Haw is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Viburnum lentago is a native shrub that provides wildlife value and is generally regarded as safe for pets.

cats safety pagedogs safety page

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict