PlantFunLaurustinus Toxic?
Primary toxic parts are unripe fruits, bark and leaves; ripe berry toxicity ranges from non-toxic to mildly toxic per conflicting reports.
Ingestion commonly causes increased salivation, vomiting and diarrhea in both humans and animals.
Leaf hairs of closely related Viburnum rhytidophyllum may trigger urticaria-like skin reactions on contact.
FAQ
Is Laurustinus toxic to Humans?
Increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; contact with leaf hairs of related Viburnum species may cause urticaria-like rashes (Moderate)
Is Laurustinus toxic to Cats?
No species-specific data available, expected to cause gastrointestinal irritation (excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea) if toxic parts are ingested (Moderate)
Is Laurustinus toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific data available, expected to cause gastrointestinal irritation (excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea) if toxic parts are ingested (Moderate)
Is Laurustinus toxic to Horses?
No species-specific data available, expected to cause gastrointestinal irritation (excessive salivation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort) if toxic parts are ingested (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
Increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; contact with leaf hairs of related Viburnum species may cause urticaria-like rashes
No species-specific data available, expected to cause gastrointestinal irritation (excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea) if toxic parts are ingested
No species-specific data available, expected to cause gastrointestinal irritation (excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea) if toxic parts are ingested
No species-specific data available, expected to cause gastrointestinal irritation (excessive salivation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort) if toxic parts are ingested
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove remaining plant material and reduce irritation
- • Induce vomiting only if explicitly directed by a medical professional or veterinarian
- • Wash affected skin with mild soap and cool water immediately if rash develops after contact
- • Remove any remaining plant pieces from the mouth of children or pets to prevent further ingestion
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Ingestion of large quantities of bark, leaves or unripe fruits by pets
- • Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or signs of distress post-ingestion
- • Development of skin swelling, difficulty breathing or severe rashes after exposure
Prevention
- • Keep young children and unsupervised pets away from Laurustinus plants, especially during fruiting season
- • Never consume unripe fruits, bark or leaves of Viburnum tinus plants
- • Wear gloves when pruning related Viburnum species to avoid contact with irritant leaf hairs
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Decontamination (e.g. activated charcoal administration) as directed by a healthcare provider or veterinarian
- • Symptomatic care including fluid therapy for dehydration from vomiting/diarrhea, and anti-emetics to control vomiting
- • Anti-histamines may be prescribed for urticaria-like skin reactions following contact exposure
Professional Toxicology
• Irritant saponins and tannins trigger gastrointestinal mucosa irritation, leading to salivation, vomiting and diarrhea
• Arbutin breaks down to hydroquinone in the digestive tract, contributing to cellular irritation and toxic effects
• Viburtinal and triterpene compounds amplify the irritant effect of ingested plant material
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
Related Toxic Plants
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.