Winter Cherry Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,290 found this helpful

All plant parts are toxic, with only fully ripe berries having low toxicity; toxic alkaloids are not destroyed by drying, cooking, or ensiling.

The plant is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with ingestion potentially causing severe reactions including seizures and fatal shock.

It is easily confused with other toxic Solanum species, so careful identification is required to avoid accidental exposure.

FAQ

Is Winter Cherry toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, potential gastrointestinal tract ulceration, seizures, depression, respiratory depression, and severe shock in high-exposure cases (Moderate)

Is Winter Cherry toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, gastrointestinal ulceration, seizures, lethargy, respiratory depression, and potentially fatal shock (Moderate)

Is Winter Cherry toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal ulceration, seizures, depression, respiratory depression, and shock (Moderate)

Is Winter Cherry toxic to Horses?

Diarrhea, severe colic, gastrointestinal ulceration, neurological distress, respiratory depression, and shock (vomiting is extremely rare in equines) (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, potential gastrointestinal tract ulceration, seizures, depression, respiratory depression, and severe shock in high-exposure cases

Cats

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, gastrointestinal ulceration, seizures, lethargy, respiratory depression, and potentially fatal shock

Dogs

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal ulceration, seizures, depression, respiratory depression, and shock

Horses

Moderate

Diarrhea, severe colic, gastrointestinal ulceration, neurological distress, respiratory depression, and shock (vomiting is extremely rare in equines)

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts; only fully ripe berries have low toxicity

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; skin contact with plant sap may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsSolanocapsin (primary alkaloid); Solanine; Other related Solanum alkaloids

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingested, induce vomiting only if the exposed individual is conscious and not experiencing seizures
• Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth, skin, or fur of the exposed person or animal immediately
• Administer activated charcoal to absorb remaining toxins if advised by a medical or veterinary professional

Contact Vet Immediately

• If ingestion of any unripe berries, leaves, stems, or roots of the plant is confirmed or suspected
• If symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, lethargy, or respiratory distress appear after exposure
• If a cat, dog, or horse is confirmed to have ingested any part of the plant, regardless of initial symptoms

Prevention

• Keep Winter Cherry plants out of reach of children, cats, dogs, and horses in all indoor and outdoor spaces
• Learn to identify Winter Cherry and similar toxic Solanum species to avoid planting them in pet-accessible areas
• Do not use cut Winter Cherry branches or berries in decorative arrangements accessible to pets or small children

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform decontamination (induced vomiting, activated charcoal administration) as soon as possible post-exposure
• Provide symptomatic care including anti-emetics, gastrointestinal protectants, anti-seizure medication, and respiratory support as needed
• Monitor vital signs closely for 24 to 72 hours post-exposure to catch delayed severe reactions like shock

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSolanum pseudocapsicum

AliasesNatal Cherry、Jerusalem Cherry、Korallenstrauch、Korallenbäumchen、Korallenkirsche、Jerusalemkirsche、Morelle faux-piment、Cerisier d'amour、Cerisier de Jérusalem、Pomino d'amore

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCentral nervous systemRespiratory system

Mechanism of Action

• Toxic alkaloids irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing inflammation and potential ulceration in severe cases

• Alkaloids act on the central nervous system, leading to seizures, neurological depression, and respiratory impairment

• Toxins are not degraded by drying, cooking, or ensiling, so preserved plant material remains fully toxic

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): Expected to be moderately toxic if ingested, with symptoms including gastrointestinal distress, colic, and neurological signs similar to those seen in horses

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): High risk of severe toxicity even from small ingestions due to low body mass, with symptoms including gastrointestinal stasis, seizures, and rapid death

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

False Jerusalem Cherry Solanum capsicastrum

Visually nearly identical to Winter Cherry, often sold under the same common name 'coral tree'; both are toxic, requiring detailed morphological or genetic testing to differentiate

Costa Rica Nightshade Solanum wendlandii

Member of the same Solanum genus, has similar foliage to young Winter Cherry plants, and is also toxic to humans and domestic animals

Jasmine Nightshade Solanum jasminoides

Has similar small white flowers to Winter Cherry, is also toxic, and may be misidentified as non-toxic jasmine or Winter Cherry

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

2. 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.