Umbrella Tree Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 889 found this helpful

Brassaia actinophylla

Toxic to cats and dogs; toxicity status for horses is currently unconfirmed

Contains active toxic compounds including terpenoids, saponins, and insoluble oxalates

Ingestion typically only causes mild, self-limiting vomiting and diarrhea in most affected animals

FAQ

Is Umbrella Tree toxic to Humans?

Limited human data available, ingestion is expected to cause mild vomiting and diarrhea consistent with reported animal symptoms (Low)

Is Umbrella Tree toxic to Cats?

Mild vomiting and diarrhea after ingestion of plant material (Low)

Is Umbrella Tree toxic to Dogs?

Mild vomiting and diarrhea after ingestion of plant material (Low)

Is Umbrella Tree toxic to Horses?

No confirmed clinical symptom data available for equine ingestion (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Limited human data available, ingestion is expected to cause mild vomiting and diarrhea consistent with reported animal symptoms

Cats

Low

Mild vomiting and diarrhea after ingestion of plant material

Dogs

Low

Mild vomiting and diarrhea after ingestion of plant material

Horses

Unknown

No confirmed clinical symptom data available for equine ingestion

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll above-ground plant parts (leaves, stems, sap) are considered potentially toxic

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion of plant material; skin contact with sap may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsTerpenoids; Saponins; Insoluble oxalates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed person or pet immediately
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean, cool water to remove residual plant particles
• Monitor for onset of gastrointestinal symptoms over the next 2 to 4 hours

Contact Vet Immediately

• Vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours after exposure
• Symptoms are severe (bloody stool, lethargy, loss of appetite) rather than mild
• A very large quantity of the plant was ingested by a small pet or young child

Prevention

• Place the plant out of reach of cats, dogs, and young children to avoid accidental ingestion
• Wear gloves when pruning or handling the plant to avoid potential skin irritation from sap
• Educate household members about the plant's mild toxicity to prevent intentional consumption

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care including fluid replacement to address dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea
• Administration of anti-emetic medications if vomiting is frequent or persistent
• Topical hydrocortisone for mild skin irritation caused by sap contact

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameBrassaia actinophylla

AliasesSchefflera、Australian Ivy Palm、Octopus Tree、Starleaf

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Oral mucosaGastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Insoluble oxalate crystals irritate the oral cavity and gastrointestinal mucosa on contact

• Saponins and terpenoids trigger additional gastrointestinal irritation leading to vomiting and diarrhea

• Systemic toxicity is very rare as the toxic compounds are poorly absorbed in typical small ingestion quantities

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Ingestion may cause similar mild gastrointestinal upset as reported in cats and dogs

Caged birds: No confirmed toxicity data available, ingestion is not recommended due to potential gastrointestinal irritation

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Dwarf Umbrella Tree Schefflera arboricola

Visually nearly identical to Brassaia actinophylla, only smaller at mature size; shares the same low toxicity profile

Japanese Aralia Fatsia japonica

Has similar large glossy palmate leaves and belongs to the same Araliaceae family, also carries a mild toxicity risk

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Related Toxic Plants

English Ivy

Hedera helix

Moderate toxicity, can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and breathing difficulties in large ingestions

Devil's Club

Oplopanax horridus

Moderate toxicity, sap causes severe skin irritation, ingestion leads to gastrointestinal distress

Ming Aralia

Polyscias fruticosa

Low to moderate toxicity, ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation from sap contact

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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