Is Schefflera Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Schefflera
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | No |
| Toxic component | Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and saponins |
| Onset of symptoms | Within minutes to 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
- Oral irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
Symptoms in cats
- Oral irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
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What to do
Usually resolves with monitoring and water access.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Schefflera is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and saponins.
What makes this plant different
Schefflera is sold under enough different names (Umbrella Tree, Octopus Tree, Starleaf) that owners sometimes don't realize their 'Umbrella Tree' and a friend's 'Schefflera' are the same plant with the same mild oxalate-and-saponin toxicity.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Schefflera
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Also known as
- Schefflera, Umbrella Tree, Australian Ivy Palm, Octopus Tree, Starleaf
- Typically found
- indoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control