Autumn Olive Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 3,086 found this helpful
Eleagnus spp.
1

Eleagnus spp. (Autumn Olive) is officially classified as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses

2

No severe toxic reactions are documented from common incidental ingestion of this plant by domestic animals

3

Excessive consumption may cause mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals, with no lasting harm

FAQ

Is Autumn Olive toxic to Humans?

No expected toxic symptoms; excessive ingestion may cause mild, transient stomach discomfort, nausea, or loose stools that resolve without treatment (Non-toxic)

Is Autumn Olive toxic to Cats?

No toxic symptoms expected; very large ingested quantities may trigger mild, temporary vomiting or diarrhea that resolves spontaneously (Non-toxic)

Is Autumn Olive toxic to Dogs?

No toxic symptoms expected; overconsumption may lead to mild, self-limiting vomiting or soft stools in sensitive individuals (Non-toxic)

Is Autumn Olive toxic to Horses?

No toxic symptoms recorded; excessive fresh foliage intake may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal irritation that resolves without intervention (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans
Non-toxic

No expected toxic symptoms; excessive ingestion may cause mild, transient stomach discomfort, nausea, or loose stools that resolve without treatment

Cats
Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms expected; very large ingested quantities may trigger mild, temporary vomiting or diarrhea that resolves spontaneously

Dogs
Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms expected; overconsumption may lead to mild, self-limiting vomiting or soft stools in sensitive individuals

Horses
Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms recorded; excessive fresh foliage intake may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal irritation that resolves without intervention

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo parts of Eleagnus spp. are confirmed to contain toxic compounds for cats, dogs, or horses; all plant parts are safe for incidental consumption
Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is accidental ingestion of leaves, berries, or foliage; no dermal or inhalation toxicity is recorded
Toxic CompoundsNo confirmed toxic secondary metabolites are present in concentrations sufficient to cause harm to humans or common domestic companion and livestock animals

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

  • • Monitor the exposed individual for any mild gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting or diarrhea if excessive ingestion is observed
  • • Offer small amounts of fresh water to soothe potential mild gut irritation
  • • Remove remaining plant material from the area to prevent further overconsumption

Contact Vet Immediately

  • • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours post-exposure
  • • Signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, or abnormal behavior following ingestion of very large quantities of plant material
  • • Exposed animal has pre-existing severe gastrointestinal sensitivities or plant allergies

Prevention

  • • No specific prevention is required for this non-toxic plant; restrict access only if the animal has a history of pica or excessive non-food foraging
  • • Keep potted specimens out of reach of very young pets prone to chewing all household plants
  • • Inform household members that this plant poses no serious toxic risk to companion animals and horses

Treatment & Prognosis

  • • Provide supportive care only if mild gastrointestinal signs occur, such as limited food intake for 12-24 hours for small animals
  • • No specific antidote is required as no toxic compounds are present in the plant
  • • Monitor the exposed individual for 24-48 hours post-ingestion; any symptoms that occur are almost always self-resolving
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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameEleagnus spp.
AliasesSilver Berry、Russian Olive
Toxicity Grade
HumansNon-toxic
CatsNon-toxic
DogsNon-toxic
HorsesNon-toxic
Target Organs
No specific organ toxicity is reported; excessive ingestion may only temporarily irritate the gastrointestinal tract in sensitive individuals
Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism has been identified, as Eleagnus spp. does not produce harmful compounds in doses that trigger adverse toxic reactions in humans or common domestic animals

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: No confirmed toxicity reported; overconsumption of foliage may cause mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal upset
Sheep: Classified as non-toxic; berries and leaves are occasionally consumed as forage with no adverse effects recorded
Poultry: No toxic effects observed from incidental ingestion of berries or foliage; excessive intake may cause mild temporary loose droppings
Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Sea Buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides
Both produce small, round, silvery to orange berries and silvery-hued foliage. Sea Buckthorn has sharp thorns absent on Autumn Olive, and its berries are typically brighter orange; it may cause more pronounced mild gut irritation if overconsumed.
Silver Buffaloberry Shepherdia argentea
Has silvery foliage and small berry-like fruits similar to Autumn Olive. Buffaloberry fruits are significantly more tart, and its leaves are smaller and more oval-shaped than Autumn Olive leaves.
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Data Sources

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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