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
dog safety reference

Is Black Haw safe for dogs?

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

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.

What this means for your dog

Black Haw is safe for dogs — ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs and does not identify a toxic principle. A curious dog that nibbles a leaf or berry isn't expected to need treatment.

Sources: ASPCA.

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.

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.

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Source evidence

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 & dogs pagecats page

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