Is Coffee Tree Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Polyscias guilfoylei
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Triterpenoid saponins |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | indoor |
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
- Drooling
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
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What to do
Usually resolves with monitoring. Despite the name, this ornamental Polyscias is unrelated to true coffee (Coffea) and contains no caffeine.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Coffee Tree is triterpenoid saponins.
What makes this plant different
Despite its common name, this ornamental Polyscias is unrelated to true coffee (Coffea arabica) and contains no caffeine — its mild saponin toxicity has nothing to do with the stimulant effects associated with actual coffee plants.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Polyscias guilfoylei
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Also known as
- Coffee Tree, Wild Coffee, Geranium-Leaf Aralia
- Typically found
- indoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control