PlantLegitIs Nandina (heavenly bamboo) toxic to dogs, cats or kids?
Yes, it can be toxic.
- DogsToxic (ASPCA)
- CatsToxic (ASPCA)
- People & kidsHigh poison severity (NC State Extension)
Sources (6)
- ASPCA plant entry: Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica) – American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- Plants toxic and non-toxic to dogs – ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- Plants toxic and non-toxic to cats – ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- Nandina domestica plant profile, poison fields – NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Poison Help line 1-800-222-1222 – U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
- Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 – ASPCA
Think someone ate part of a plant?
- Person or child: call Poison Help 1-800-222-1222 (free, confidential, 24/7; HRSA Poison Help).
- Dog, cat or other pet: call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 (24/7; a consultation fee may apply; ASPCA) or your veterinarian.
- Trouble breathing, seizures or collapse: call 911.
Details
ASPCA lists Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica) as toxic to dogs and toxic to cats.
Reported symptoms in people (NC State Extension): Hydrogen cyanide is highly poisonous if ingested in quantity. All parts are toxic to humans, cats, dogs, livestock, horses, and birds such as the Cedar Waxwing. Weakness, incoordination, seizures, coma, respiratory failure, and death can occur from ingestion.
Poisonous parts: Fruits Leaves Stems.
Toxic compound: Cyanogenic glycosides.
This page summarizes published lists. It is not medical or veterinary advice. Keep plants away from young children and pets, and call the numbers above with any concern. Checked 2026-10-14.