Is Umbrella Plant toxic to dogs?
Umbrella plant (Schefflera, the umbrella tree) is an irritant to dogs (S2 Irritant): its calcium oxalate crystals cause intense burning of the mouth, drooling, gagging, and vomiting when chewed — the same mechanism as pothos and peace lily, with throat swelling possible in rare cases.
- TOXINcalcium oxalate crystals (insoluble oxalates), terpenoids, saponins
- WHAT TO EXPECToral irritation; intense burning of mouth, lips and tongue; excessive drooling; gagging
- CALL THE VETCall your vet if drooling or vomiting persists or worsens, or your dog stops eating — and go immediately if you see any swelling of the mouth or throat or trouble breathing.
Symptoms
| SIGN |
|---|
| oral irritation; intense burning of mouth, lips and tongue |
| excessive drooling |
| gagging |
| vomiting |
| difficulty swallowing |
| mild diarrhea |
| severe throat swelling with breathing difficulty (rare) |
If your dog just ate it
Same floor look, minus the risk
3 floor plants graded S0 — non-toxic on record.
Care at a glance
FAQ
Is the umbrella tree toxic to dogs too?
Yes. Both ASPCA entries for this plant, "Schefflera" and "Umbrella Tree," read "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats," and Pet Poison Helpline's Schefflera entry speaks of pets without distinction: chewing releases insoluble oxalate crystals that irritate the lips, mouth, and throat, with drooling, gagging, and vomiting the common signs and severe throat swelling a rare one. A large floor-standing umbrella tree is at dog height, which is how most exposures happen. The grade is S2 Irritant on our umbrella plant page for dogs. If signs persist, call your vet; any swelling or trouble breathing, go immediately.
Is every plant sold as an "umbrella plant" the same thing?
No, and the name is a trap — this page is the Schefflera (now Heptapleurum), the glossy umbrella tree and its dwarf form, which is what the search almost always means. The ASPCA grades it under two entries, "Schefflera" and "Umbrella Tree," both "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats," with calcium oxalate crystals that cause "intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting." Three other plants share the word and are not this record: the ASPCA's own entry titled "Umbrella Plant" is Eriogonum umbellatum, a wildflower listed as non-toxic; the umbrella papyrus (Cyperus alternifolius) has no ASPCA or Pet Poison Helpline entry, so we publish no grade for it; and the Texas umbrella tree is Melia azedarach, a different plant with a far more serious record. Check the botanical name on the label. If a cat has chewed a Schefflera, remove the plant and watch for drooling or vomiting; call your vet if signs persist, or immediately if you see any swelling or trouble breathing.
What happens if my cat chews a Schefflera leaf?
It burns, and the cat usually stops. Schefflera contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; Pet Poison Helpline describes what follows: "Drooling, gagging, and vomiting are common signs in animals following ingestion of this plant; in rare instances severe throat swelling resulting in breathing difficulty can occur." The ASPCA's Schefflera entry lists intense burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. That contact irritation is what makes the plant S2 Irritant. Remove the plant and any chewed pieces, and watch for drooling, gagging, or vomiting. If signs persist, call your vet; go immediately if you see swelling of the mouth or throat or trouble breathing.