Japanese snowball Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 4,618 found this helpful

Unripe fruits, bark, and leaves are confirmed toxic; berry toxicity is debated, ranging from non-toxic to slightly toxic.

Ingestion typically causes mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms such as excessive salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Contact with leaf hairs of the closely related Viburnum rhytidophyllum may trigger urticaria-like skin reactions.

FAQ

Is Japanese snowball toxic to Humans?

Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; contact with leaf hairs of related Viburnum rhytidophyllum may cause urticaria-like rashes (Moderate)

Is Japanese snowball toxic to Cats?

No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal distress (salivation, vomiting, diarrhea) if ingested in significant quantities (Low)

Is Japanese snowball toxic to Dogs?

No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal distress (salivation, vomiting, diarrhea) if ingested in significant quantities (Low)

Is Japanese snowball toxic to Horses?

No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities (Low)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; contact with leaf hairs of related Viburnum rhytidophyllum may cause urticaria-like rashes

Cats

Low

No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal distress (salivation, vomiting, diarrhea) if ingested in significant quantities

Dogs

Low

No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal distress (salivation, vomiting, diarrhea) if ingested in significant quantities

Horses

Low

No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsUnripe fruits, bark, leaves; berry toxicity is conflicting in literature, ranging from non-toxic to slightly toxic

Exposure RouteIngestion of toxic plant parts; skin contact with leaf hairs of related Viburnum species may cause localized irritation

Toxic CompoundsArbutin (hydroquinone glycoside); Viburtinal (iridoid); α-Amyrin (triterpene, found in bark); β-Amyrin (triterpene, found in bark); Apigenin (flavone); Luteolin (flavone); Quercetin (flavonoid); Rutin (flavonoid); Amentoflavone (flavonoid); Saponins; Tannins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly to remove remaining plant residue immediately after ingestion
• Induce vomiting only if explicitly advised by a medical professional or veterinarian within 1 hour of ingestion
• Wash affected skin areas with soap and water immediately if contact with plant material causes irritation

Contact Vet Immediately

• If patient exhibits persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of dehydration
• If large quantities of the plant have been ingested
• If a localized skin rash or swelling develops after contact

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children and companion animals
• Wear protective gloves when handling Viburnum plants to avoid potential skin irritation
• Never consume unripe fruits, bark, or leaves of this plant

Treatment & Prognosis

• Decontamination: gastric lavage or activated charcoal administration if indicated by a healthcare provider
• Symptomatic supportive care: antiemetics to control vomiting, fluid therapy to correct dehydration
• Antihistamines may be administered for allergic skin reactions if present

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameViburnum plicatum Thunb.

AliasesDoublefile viburnum、Pleated viburnum

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractSkin (for contact reactions with related Viburnum species)

Mechanism of Action

• Irritant compounds including saponins and tannins irritate gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to digestive distress

• Arbutin (hydroquinone glycoside) may metabolize to hydroquinone, contributing to toxic effects when consumed in large quantities

• Trichomes (leaf hairs) of related Viburnum species trigger localized allergic skin reactions on contact

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Expected to cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested, consistent with effects of other toxic Viburnum species

Ruminants (cattle, sheep): Low risk of mild gastrointestinal upset if small quantities are consumed; severe toxicity has not been reported

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Leatherleaf viburnum Viburnum rhytidophyllum

Closely related species in the same genus with similar foliage and growth habit; leatherleaf viburnum leaf hairs can cause urticaria-like skin reactions, a risk not confirmed for Japanese snowball

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Wayfaring tree

Viburnum lantana

Moderately toxic (unripe fruits, leaves, bark)

European elderberry

Sambucus nigra

Moderately toxic (unripe fruits, foliage, bark)

Dwarf elder

Sambucus ebulus

Highly toxic (all plant parts)

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

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.