Ornamental Pepper
Also known as Jerusalem Cherry, Winter Cherry, Natal Cherry. One plant, one grade per pet — the verdicts below are transcribed from primary sources and human-reviewed.
Ornamental pepper (Solanum pseudocapsicum) is toxic to cats (S3 Toxic): the ASPCA lists solanine, with gastrointestinal disturbances, possible ulceration of the gastrointestinal system, seizures, depression, respiratory depression, and shock. Pet Poison Helpline says all parts contain solanine, and ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration, depression, and in some cases seizures.
FULL VERDICT →Ornamental pepper (Solanum pseudocapsicum) is toxic to dogs (S3 Toxic): the ASPCA lists solanine, with gastrointestinal disturbances, possible ulceration of the gastrointestinal system, seizures, depression, respiratory depression, and shock. Pet Poison Helpline says all parts contain solanine, and ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration, depression, and in some cases seizures.
FULL VERDICT →Care at a glance
What happens if it's eaten
Signs on record for each animal, transcribed from the cited sources.
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Possible ulceration of the gastrointestinal system
- Seizures
- Depression
- Respiratory depression
- Shock
- Gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Possible ulceration of the gastrointestinal system
- Seizures
- Depression
- Respiratory depression
- Shock
- Gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration
When to call the vet
Contact your vet promptly after ingestion. The ASPCA lists seizures, respiratory depression, and shock. Pet Poison Helpline says seizures can occur in some cases.
FULL VERDICT →Contact your vet promptly after ingestion. The ASPCA lists seizures, respiratory depression, and shock. Pet Poison Helpline says seizures can occur in some cases.
FULL VERDICT →Safe swaps, graded S0
Non-toxic on record for cats — verified against the index at build time.
Seasonal: this plant comes into homes around the December holidays.
FAQ
Is this the same as a kitchen pepper plant?
No. This verdict is Solanum pseudocapsicum. The ASPCA Ornamental Pepper, Jerusalem Cherry, and Winter Cherry entries all use that scientific name. ASPCA pages for pepper and capsicum were not found, and this page does not grade bell pepper, chili pepper, or other Capsicum plants. Check the scientific name on the tag.
Which parts of ornamental pepper do the sources name?
Pet Poison Helpline says all parts of Solanum pseudocapsicum contain solanine. It also says ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration, depression, and in some cases seizures. The ASPCA adds possible ulceration of the gastrointestinal system, respiratory depression, and shock. Contact your vet promptly after ingestion.