Is Schefflera (Umbrella Tree) Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Schefflera (Schefflera spp. (Schefflera arboricola, Schefflera actinophylla)), also called umbrella tree, dwarf umbrella tree or octopus tree, is mildly toxic to both cats and dogs.

Is schefflera toxic to cats?

Cats · Mildly toxic

Mildly. Schefflera is mildly toxic to cats. Signs to watch for: drooling, pawing at the mouth, swelling or redness of the lips and tongue, vomiting, difficulty swallowing and loss of appetite.

Is schefflera toxic to dogs?

Dogs · Mildly toxic

Mildly. Schefflera is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs show the same signs as cats. Chewing them causes intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue, along with drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.

Why

Schefflera, also called umbrella tree, is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats because its leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing them causes intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue, along with drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.

Schefflera poisoning is usually limited to the mouth and stomach. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes irritation, drooling, loss of appetite and vomiting, with diarrhea in more severe cases, and recommends treating the symptoms.

How to recognize it

Schefflera has leaves made of several glossy leaflets arranged in a circle at the end of a long stalk, like the ribs of an umbrella. The dwarf umbrella tree (Schefflera arboricola) has small leaflets and is often green or variegated with yellow, while the larger umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla) has long, drooping leaflets.

Signs to watch for

Drooling
Pawing at the mouth
Swelling or redness of the lips and tongue
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Loss of appetite

What to do

Rinse your pet's mouth with water and offer a cool drink.
Contact your vet if vomiting or drooling continues, or immediately if breathing is affected.
Keep schefflera out of reach and pick up fallen leaflets promptly.

Umbrella tree or dwarf umbrella tree?

Schefflera is sold in two main forms. The dwarf umbrella tree, Schefflera arboricola, is a bushy plant with small leaflets that is native to Taiwan and Hainan and is widely grown as a houseplant and hedge. The umbrella tree, Schefflera actinophylla, has much larger leaves and can grow into a full-sized tree outdoors in warm climates.

Schefflera is listed by the ASPCA at the level of the whole genus, with umbrella tree, octopus tree and Australian ivy palm as common names. Variegated and compact forms carry the same caution as plain green ones.

Schefflera or money tree?

Schefflera is easy to confuse with the money tree (Pachira aquatica), because both have leaflets spreading from a single point like fingers on a hand. The difference matters: the ASPCA lists the money tree as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but schefflera as toxic.

Schefflera leaflets are usually thicker and glossier and sit on long, flexible stalks, while money tree leaflets are thinner and longer. The botanical name on the label is the most reliable way to tell them apart.

Hedges, parks and fallen leaves

Schefflera is common outdoors in warm cities, clipped into hedges along sidewalks and planted in parks and building courtyards. After a hedge is trimmed, piles of fresh leaves are often left on the ground, right where a dog on a walk will sniff and chew.

Schefflera clippings are worth steering a dog away from, especially a puppy or a dog that eats leaves. If your dog does chew some, watch for drooling, lip licking and vomiting, and call your vet if the signs do not settle.

Keep dogs on a short lead past freshly trimmed hedges.
Clear prunings from your own garden the same day.
Do not use schefflera leaves or branches as chew sticks or toys.

Pet-safe alternatives

Looking for something similar without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Common questions

Is schefflera poisonous to pets?

Cats: Mildly toxic. Dogs: Mildly toxic. Schefflera is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing schefflera leaves burns the mouth and can cause drooling and vomiting, but serious poisoning is uncommon.

Is it safe to keep schefflera in a home with cats and dogs?

Yes, as long as your pets cannot reach it. Keep schefflera out of reach and pick up fallen leaflets promptly.

What should I do if my pet chews schefflera?

Rinse your pet's mouth with water and offer a cool drink. Contact your vet if vomiting or drooling continues, or immediately if breathing is affected.

Which pet-safe plants can I grow instead of schefflera?

Money tree and areca palm are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

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Sources

Merck Veterinary Manual. Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).