Leatherleaf viburnum Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,806 found this helpful

Unripe fruits, bark, and leaves are confirmed toxic, while berry toxicity ranges from non-toxic to mildly toxic per conflicting reports.

Ingestion causes typical poisoning symptoms including excessive salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Direct contact with leaf hairs may trigger urticaria (hives)-like skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

FAQ

Is Leatherleaf viburnum toxic to Humans?

Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; hives-like skin rash on contact with leaf hairs (Moderate)

Is Leatherleaf viburnum toxic to Cats?

No confirmed species-specific symptom data available; precautionary assumption of gastrointestinal distress if ingested (Low)

Is Leatherleaf viburnum toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed species-specific symptom data available; precautionary assumption of gastrointestinal distress if ingested (Low)

Is Leatherleaf viburnum toxic to Horses?

No confirmed species-specific symptom data available; precautionary assumption of gastrointestinal distress if ingested (Low)

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

Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; hives-like skin rash on contact with leaf hairs

Cats

Low

No confirmed species-specific symptom data available; precautionary assumption of gastrointestinal distress if ingested

Dogs

Low

No confirmed species-specific symptom data available; precautionary assumption of gastrointestinal distress if ingested

Horses

Low

No confirmed species-specific symptom data available; precautionary assumption of gastrointestinal distress if ingested

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsUnripe fruits, bark, leaves. Berry toxicity has conflicting scientific reports ranging from non-toxic to mildly toxic

Exposure RouteIngestion of toxic plant parts; skin contact with leaf hairs for allergic reactions

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

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingested: Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical/vet professional
• For skin contact: Wash affected area with mild soap and cold water immediately to remove irritant leaf hairs
• For eye contact: Flush eyes with lukewarm running water for 15+ minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids periodically
• Move to fresh air immediately if exposure causes breathing difficulty

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet has ingested unripe fruit, bark, or leaves of the plant
• Your pet shows symptoms including excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation after exposure
• Your pet has signs of allergic reaction such as facial swelling or labored breathing after contact/ingestion

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children, pets, and livestock to avoid accidental ingestion
• Wear protective gloves when handling the plant to avoid skin contact with irritant leaf hairs
• Do not consume unripe fruits, bark, or leaves, and exercise extreme caution before eating its berries due to conflicting toxicity reports

Treatment & Prognosis

• Gastrointestinal decontamination (e.g. activated charcoal administration) for recent ingestions as directed by a professional
• Symptomatic care: anti-emetics for vomiting, fluid therapy for diarrhea-related dehydration, antihistamines for allergic skin reactions
• Monitor vital signs and symptom progression until full recovery, provide supportive care as needed

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameViburnum rhytidophyllum Hemsl.

AliasesWrinkled-leaf viburnum、Rough viburnum、Chinese evergreen viburnum

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractSkin

Mechanism of Action

• Arbutin metabolizes to hydroquinone, a known gastrointestinal irritant and skin sensitizer

• Saponins and tannins contribute to mucosal irritation leading to vomiting and diarrhea

• Fine leaf hairs act as physical and allergic irritants triggering urticaria reactions on contact

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No confirmed toxicity reports; ingestion of large quantities may lead to gastrointestinal distress as a precaution

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

European cranberrybush Viburnum opulus

Both are Viburnum species with similar berry and growth forms; Leatherleaf viburnum has thicker, wrinkled evergreen leaves while European cranberrybush has thinner deciduous leaves

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

European elder

Sambucus nigra

Moderately toxic (unripe fruits, leaves, bark)

American cranberrybush

Viburnum trilobum

Mildly toxic (unripe fruits, 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.