Is Jerusalem Cherry Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Solanum pseudocapsicum
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Solanine and related glycoalkaloids |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
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
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of coordination
- Lethargy
Symptoms in cats
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of coordination
- Lethargy
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What to do
Contact a vet, especially if unripe berries or a large amount of foliage was eaten — these carry the highest solanine concentration.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Jerusalem Cherry is solanine and related glycoalkaloids.
Part-specific risk: Ripe fruit is generally much lower in solanine than unripe fruit and foliage.
What makes this plant different
Jerusalem Cherry's ornamental orange berries closely resemble edible cherry tomatoes, making it one of the more visually deceptive solanine-containing plants sold as a decorative houseplant.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Solanum pseudocapsicum
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Also known as
- Jerusalem Cherry, Natal cherry, Winter cherry
- Typically found
- both
Pet-safe alternatives
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Related plants
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Brunfelsia
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control