Japanese Yew

Taxus cuspidata

Dogs: Severe Cats: Severe

Veterinary Emergency

EMERGENCY: Japanese Yew can kill within hours. Rush to emergency vet immediately. There is no antidote — treatment is aggressive decontamination and supportive care.

ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Plant Information

Common Names

Taxus, Spreading Yew, Buddhist Pine

Family

Taxaceae

Toxicity Details

Toxic Parts

all parts except berry flesh, needles, bark, seeds

Toxic Compound

Taxine alkaloids

Onset Time

30 minutes to 2 hours

Severity

severe

Symptoms to Watch For

Sudden death (can occur within hours)
Trembling
Difficulty breathing
Seizures
Heart failure
Collapse

What to Do

EMERGENCY: Japanese Yew can kill within hours. Rush to emergency vet immediately. There is no antidote — treatment is aggressive decontamination and supportive care.

Do not wait for symptoms. Call your vet or poison control immediately.

About Japanese Yew

Japanese Yew is one of the most dangerous plants to pets. Taxine alkaloids cause cardiac arrest, and death can occur so rapidly that animals are sometimes found dead near the plant with no prior symptoms observed. Even small amounts of needles can be lethal.

Safe Alternatives

These plants provide a similar look but are non-toxic to pets:

✓ Boston Fern ✓ Areca Palm ✓ Parlor Palm