Serviceberry and Stewartia Plants
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I’m looking for a shade tree for my dog run. Can you tell me if Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) and Korean Stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia) are toxic to dogs? Thanks!
- Ashleigh
The plants of the genus Amelanchier—including serviceberry—contain substances known as cyanogenic glycosides. When fresh or dried, they have the potential to cause vomiting, diarrhea, a lack of oxygen in the blood (cyanosis), decreased heart rate, respiratory congestion, seizures and coma, and can lead to respiratory failure and death if consumed in large amounts. Even though most problems are seen with grazing animals like horses and cattle, dogs should still be kept away from it.
Stewartia species are not known to be toxic to pets and should be appropriate for your run, but mild stomach upset may occur if your dog ingests the plant.