PlantLegitIs American wisteria toxic to dogs, cats or kids?
Yes, it can be toxic.
- DogsToxic (ASPCA)
- CatsToxic (ASPCA)
- People & kidsMedium poison severity (NC State Extension)
Sources (6)
- ASPCA plant entry: Wisteria (Wisteria spp.) – 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
- Wisteria frutescens 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 Wisteria (Wisteria spp.) as toxic to dogs and toxic to cats. ASPCA's entry covers the whole genus Wisteria spp., not Wisteria frutescens by name.
Reported symptoms in people (NC State Extension): Nausea, frequent vomiting, abdominal pain depression, and diarrhea can result from eating 1 or 2 seed pods.
Poisonous parts: Seeds.
Toxic compound: Saponin called wisterin, Lectin.
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.