Is Buddhist Pine Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Podocarpus macrophylla
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Unidentified GI irritant |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
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What to do
Usually resolves with monitoring. Despite "Pine" and "Yew" in its various common names, this Podocarpus species does not carry true Yew's dangerous taxine alkaloids.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Buddhist Pine is unidentified gi irritant.
What makes this plant different
Buddhist Pine goes by several names referencing both pines and yews, but genuinely lacks true Yew's dangerous taxine alkaloids — a case where the common names could mislead someone into overestimating urgency rather than underestimating it.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Podocarpus macrophylla
- Family
- Podocarpaceae
- Also known as
- Buddhist Pine, Yew Pine, Japanese Yew, Southern Yew, Podocarpus
- Typically found
- outdoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control