All plants › Dogs › American Bittersweet

Is American Bittersweet Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Moderate
✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
Yes, American bittersweet is toxic to dogs. The berries, leaves and bark can cause vomiting, diarrhea and, in larger amounts, neurologic signs.

Also known as: Climbing Bittersweet, Waxwork, Staff Vine, Celastrus scandens · Celastrus scandens

What makes it toxic

Irritant alkaloids concentrated in the berries, with lower levels throughout the vine. They inflame the stomach and intestines and can affect the nervous system in quantity.

Warning signs to watch for

Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and abdominal pain first; with a large meal of berries, weakness, trembling, seizures or collapse.

What to do if your dog eats it

Take the plant material away and rinse the mouth. Call your vet with an estimate of how many berries were eaten; go straight to an emergency clinic if tremors or seizures start.

Common questions

My dog ate bittersweet berries from a wreath — what now?

Dried berries remain toxic. Note the quantity, remove the rest, and call your vet or a poison hotline the same day for instructions.

Why is it called bittersweet if it is poisonous?

The name refers to the taste, not safety. Every part of Celastrus scandens should be treated as toxic to pets.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals thaAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain coSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk ofEaster Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal kiSago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untreBoston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.