Texas Umbrella Tree Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 4,407 found this helpful

This plant is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with no severe human poisoning cases reported in referenced datasets.

Ripe berries are the most toxic plant part, but bark, leaves and flowers also contain harmful toxins and pose poisoning risk.

Its core toxic components are meliatoxins, a class of tetranortriterpenoid compounds that affect the digestive and nervous systems.

FAQ

Is Texas Umbrella Tree toxic to Humans?

No confirmed severe human toxicity cases documented; seek immediate medical care if large quantities of plant parts are ingested. (Low)

Is Texas Umbrella Tree toxic to Cats?

Diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, depression, weakness, seizures (High)

Is Texas Umbrella Tree toxic to Dogs?

Diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, depression, weakness, seizures (High)

Is Texas Umbrella Tree toxic to Horses?

Diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, depression, weakness, seizures (High)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No confirmed severe human toxicity cases documented; seek immediate medical care if large quantities of plant parts are ingested.

Cats

High

Diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, depression, weakness, seizures

Dogs

High

Diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, depression, weakness, seizures

Horses

High

Diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, depression, weakness, seizures

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsRipe fruits (berries) are the most toxic; bark, leaves and flowers are also toxic

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion of plant parts, especially ripe berries; dermal exposure does not cause significant toxicity

Toxic CompoundsTetranortriterpenes (meliatoxins)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove any remaining plant material from the exposed subject's mouth and block further ingestion
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a licensed medical provider or veterinarian
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant part to support accurate identification for targeted treatment

Contact Vet Immediately

• If you confirm or suspect your pet/horse has ingested any part of the plant, even if no symptoms have appeared
• If the exposed animal exhibits vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, lethargy, weakness or seizures
• If a large quantity of ripe berries (the most toxic part) has been consumed

Prevention

• Avoid planting Texas Umbrella Trees in areas accessible to pets, livestock or unsupervised young children
• Regularly clean up fallen ripe berries from the ground around the tree to eliminate easy access for animals
• Educate household members to never consume unknown berries or plant parts from this tree

Treatment & Prognosis

• Medically supervised decontamination via emesis and activated charcoal if ingestion occurred within 2 hours
• Supportive care including anti-emetics for vomiting, anti-convulsants for seizures and fluid therapy to prevent dehydration
• 24-48 hour monitoring of cardiac and neurological function to detect delayed severe symptoms

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameMelia azedarach

AliasesChina Ball Tree、Paradise Tree、Persian Lilac、White Cedar、Japanese Bead Tree、Bead Tree、Pride-of-India、Chinaberry Tree

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsHigh

DogsHigh

HorsesHigh

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCentral nervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Meliatoxins irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, triggering vomiting, diarrhea and excessive salivation shortly after ingestion

• Absorbed toxins target the central nervous system, causing lethargy, weakness and seizures in severe cases

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Moderate toxicity: ingestion of large berry quantities causes gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms

Sheep: Low to Moderate toxicity: severe poisoning is rare unless massive amounts of plant material are consumed

Wild birds: Non-toxic: most bird species consume the berries without adverse effects, acting as natural seed dispersers

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Western Red Cedar Thuja plicata

Both share the common alias 'White Cedar'; Western Red Cedar is a conifer with scale-like leaves, while Texas Umbrella Tree has broad pinnate deciduous leaves.

Neem Tree Azadirachta indica

Both are in the Meliaceae family with similar pinnate leaves and clustered fruit; Neem has far lower mammalian toxicity and is widely used in organic products.

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Related Toxic Plants

Neem Tree

Azadirachta indica

Low to Moderate toxicity (toxic in large doses, especially to felines)

West Indian Mahogany

Swietenia mahagoni

Low toxicity (only large seed quantities cause mild gastrointestinal distress)

Chinese Toon

Toona sinensis

Low to Moderate toxicity (raw leaves and seeds are toxic, young cooked leaves are edible)

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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.