Yew Pine Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 2,312 found this helpful

Podocarpus macrophylla

Yew Pine is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per official ASPCA records

The specific active toxic compounds of this species have not yet been formally identified

Ingestion of any part of the plant typically causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea

FAQ

Is Yew Pine toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity cases are documented; seek immediate medical care if ingestion causes adverse symptoms (Non-toxic)

Is Yew Pine toxic to Cats?

Severe vomiting, diarrhea (Moderate)

Is Yew Pine toxic to Dogs?

Severe vomiting, diarrhea (Moderate)

Is Yew Pine toxic to Horses?

Severe vomiting, diarrhea (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed human toxicity cases are documented; seek immediate medical care if ingestion causes adverse symptoms

Cats

Moderate

Severe vomiting, diarrhea

Dogs

Moderate

Severe vomiting, diarrhea

Horses

Moderate

Severe vomiting, diarrhea

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts are suspected toxic, with leaves and seeds considered highest risk per related Podocarpus species data

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure is via ingestion of plant material; casual skin contact poses minimal risk for most species

Toxic CompoundsToxic principles are unconfirmed per current ASPCA research

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the exposed animal's mouth immediately if ingestion is witnessed
• Induce vomiting only if explicitly directed to do so by a licensed veterinarian or poison control professional
• Rinse the animal's mouth with clean cool water to remove residual plant matter

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet or horse has ingested any quantity of Yew Pine material
• Your animal displays vomiting, diarrhea or other distress after possible exposure
• Symptoms persist or worsen after initial first aid administration

Prevention

• Keep Yew Pine houseplants and landscape specimens out of reach of pets and grazing livestock
• Confirm the identity of all evergreen landscape plants to avoid accidental toxic exposure
• Supervise pets and horses when in areas where Yew Pine is grown

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinary care is primarily supportive to address gastrointestinal symptoms
• Fluid therapy may be administered to correct dehydration from persistent vomiting and diarrhea
• Anti-emetic and anti-diarrheal medications may be prescribed as needed by a veterinarian

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePodocarpus macrophylla

AliasesBuddhist Pine

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines)

Mechanism of Action

• Toxic mechanism is uncharacterized due to unknown active compounds; effects are believed to be primarily irritant to the gastrointestinal tract

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Limited formal data available, suspected to cause similar severe gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested

Sheep: No confirmed toxicity reports, but grazing exposure is not recommended due to risk in other livestock

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Suspected toxic, may cause gastrointestinal distress and dehydration if plant material is ingested

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

English Yew Taxus baccata

Confusable due to shared 'yew' common name and needle-like evergreen foliage; English Yew contains fatal cardiac toxins, while Yew Pine only causes gastrointestinal symptoms

Japanese Yew Taxus cuspidata

Visually similar needle foliage and overlapping common naming; Japanese Yew is far more toxic, with small ingestions potentially fatal for all animal species

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Related Toxic Plants

Nagi Podocarp

Podocarpus nagi

Moderate toxicity

Totara

Podocarpus totara

Low toxicity

Plum Pine

Podocarpus elatus

Low toxicity

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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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