Tree ivy Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 4,584 found this helpful

No documented ingestion poisoning cases have been reported for humans or common domestic animals in available scientific literature

Sensitive humans may develop contact dermatitis after skin exposure to the plant due to the presence of polyine compounds

The plant is not approved for use as feed for any companion animals or livestock species

FAQ

Is Tree ivy toxic to Humans?

Redness, itching, and rash on skin areas that come into direct contact with plant tissues/sap; no ingestion-related symptoms recorded (Low)

Is Tree ivy toxic to Cats?

No documented poisoning symptoms reported; mild, transient gastrointestinal upset may occur in rare cases of large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Tree ivy toxic to Dogs?

No documented poisoning symptoms reported; mild, transient gastrointestinal upset may occur in rare cases of large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Tree ivy toxic to Horses?

No documented poisoning symptoms reported; feed refusal or mild digestive discomfort may occur if included in rations (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Redness, itching, and rash on skin areas that come into direct contact with plant tissues/sap; no ingestion-related symptoms recorded

Cats

Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms reported; mild, transient gastrointestinal upset may occur in rare cases of large ingestion

Dogs

Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms reported; mild, transient gastrointestinal upset may occur in rare cases of large ingestion

Horses

Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms reported; feed refusal or mild digestive discomfort may occur if included in rations

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll above-ground plant tissues carry contact dermatitis risk; no toxic ingestion effects recorded to date

Exposure RouteDirect skin contact with plant sap or surface tissues; accidental ingestion of plant material

Toxic CompoundsPolyines

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse affected skin with cool running water and mild soap immediately after contact to remove plant residues
• If ingested, rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water and drink small sips of plain water to dilute any remaining plant material
• Remove all leftover plant fragments from the exposure area to prevent repeated contact or ingestion

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet develops persistent skin redness, swelling, or itching within 24 hours of contact with the plant
• Your pet exhibits unusual symptoms including vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite after ingesting large amounts of the plant
• Your horse or other livestock shows persistent feed refusal, diarrhea, or lethargy after consuming the plant

Prevention

• Wear waterproof gardening gloves when handling Tree ivy to avoid direct skin exposure
• Keep potted Tree ivy out of reach of companion animals, and never add the plant to livestock feed rations
• Label Tree ivy clearly if grown in shared public or community gardens to prevent accidental exposure

Treatment & Prognosis

• For mild human contact dermatitis, use over-the-counter antihistamines or prescription topical corticosteroids as directed by a physician
• For animal skin reactions, administer vet-prescribed topical anti-inflammatory medications to reduce irritation
• Provide supportive care including oral fluids and symptom monitoring for any rare ingestion-related reactions as directed by a medical or veterinary professional

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameFatshedera lizei (hort. ex Cochet) Guillaumin, syn. Aralia lizei hort. ex Cochet

AliasesAralia ivy、Ivy aralia、False ivy

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

Skin

Mechanism of Action

• Polyine compounds in plant epidermal tissues trigger type IV allergic immune reactions in sensitive individuals on direct skin contact

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs): No documented poisoning cases reported, but consumption is not recommended as the plant has no nutritional value as feed

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No recorded poisoning cases, but large ingestion may cause mild digestive upset due to high fiber content

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Aralia species Aralia spp.

Visually similar to Tree ivy; most Aralia species are non-toxic, and can be distinguished by their larger, more serrated leaf margins

Common ivy Hedera helix

Visually similar to Tree ivy; common ivy is moderately toxic if ingested, and can be distinguished by its smaller, thicker glossy leaves

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Related Toxic Plants

Umbrella tree

Schefflera actinophylla

Moderate (causes oral irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested by humans or animals)

Common ivy

Hedera helix

Moderate (causes gastrointestinal irritation, breathing difficulty, and skin reactions in sensitive individuals)

Devil's club

Oplopanax horridus

Low (causes skin irritation and mild gastrointestinal upset on contact or ingestion)

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

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