Bodnant Viburnum Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 4,544 found this helpful

Viburnum x bodnantense Aberc.

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

Ingestion typically causes gastrointestinal symptoms including excess salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea

All other Viburnum species carry similar toxicity risks and may be easily confused with this plant

FAQ

Is Bodnant Viburnum toxic to Humans?

Increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; leaf hairs of related Viburnum species may cause urticaria-like skin reactions (Moderate)

Is Bodnant Viburnum toxic to Cats?

No species-specific data available; ingestion is expected to cause gastrointestinal distress (salivation, vomiting, diarrhea) consistent with general toxicity observations (Unknown)

Is Bodnant Viburnum toxic to Dogs?

No species-specific data available; ingestion is expected to cause gastrointestinal distress (salivation, vomiting, diarrhea) consistent with general toxicity observations (Unknown)

Is Bodnant Viburnum toxic to Horses?

No species-specific data available; ingestion is expected to cause gastrointestinal distress (salivation, vomiting, diarrhea) consistent with general toxicity observations (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; leaf hairs of related Viburnum species may cause urticaria-like skin reactions

Cats

Unknown

No species-specific data available; ingestion is expected to cause gastrointestinal distress (salivation, vomiting, diarrhea) consistent with general toxicity observations

Dogs

Unknown

No species-specific data available; ingestion is expected to cause gastrointestinal distress (salivation, vomiting, diarrhea) consistent with general toxicity observations

Horses

Unknown

No species-specific data available; ingestion is expected to cause gastrointestinal distress (salivation, vomiting, diarrhea) consistent with general toxicity observations

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsUnripe fruits, bark, leaves; ripe berry toxicity is unconfirmed with conflicting reports of non-toxic to slightly toxic

Exposure RouteIngestion of toxic plant parts; skin contact with irritant leaf hairs (for closely related Viburnum species)

Toxic CompoundsArbutin (hydroquinone glycoside); Viburtinal (iridoid); α-Amyrin; β-Amyrin; Apigenin; Luteolin; Quercetin; Rutin; Amentoflavone; Saponins; Tannins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed person/animal immediately
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean, cool water following ingestion
• Wash any skin areas that came into contact with the plant with soap and water

Contact Vet Immediately

• Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain develops post-exposure
• Signs of allergic reaction (hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing) occur
• Large quantities of unripe fruit, bark, or leaves were ingested

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children, pets, and grazing livestock
• Do not consume any part of the plant, as ripe berry toxicity is unconfirmed and conflicting
• Wear gloves when handling the plant to reduce risk of skin irritation from leaf hairs

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform decontamination (e.g., activated charcoal administration for recent ingestion) under professional guidance
• Provide symptomatic supportive care, including fluid replacement for dehydration and anti-emetics to control vomiting
• Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions and administer antihistamines if prescribed by a medical or veterinary provider

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameViburnum x bodnantense Aberc.

AliasesWinter Viburnum、Fragrant Viburnum

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tract (mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines)Skin (for contact reactions to leaf hairs)

Mechanism of Action

• Irritant compounds (saponins, tannins, iridoids) damage gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to increased secretions and GI distress

• Arbutin may break down into hydroquinone, contributing to toxic effects in large doses

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No species-specific data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal distress similar to general toxicity observations if large quantities are ingested

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Leatherleaf Viburnum Viburnum rhytidophyllum

Congeneric species with similar evergreen foliage and berry structure; key difference is its deeply wrinkled, matte leaves compared to the smoother leaves of Viburnum x bodnantense

Guelder Rose Viburnum opulus

Related Viburnum species with similar clustered white flowers and red berries; key difference is its lobed, maple-like leaves rather than the simple, oval leaves of this species

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Related Toxic Plants

European Elder

Sambucus nigra

Moderately toxic (unripe fruits, bark, leaves)

Guelder Rose

Viburnum opulus

Moderately toxic

Muskroot

Adoxa moschatellina

Low toxicity

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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.

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