Is Jerusalem Cherry Poisonous? – Toxicity to Pets and Humans

Jerusalem cherry is toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The entire plant contains solanine and related alkaloids from the nightshade family. The small orange-red berries are the primary hazard: they resemble cherry tomatoes and are attractive to children, but ingesting them can cause serious gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.

About Jerusalem Cherry

Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) is an ornamental houseplant and garden shrub in the nightshade family. It is sold under the names natal cherry and winter cherry. The plant is popular as a decorative houseplant in winter because of its bright berries, which turn from green to orange and red as they ripen. It is commonly found at florists and garden centers during the holiday season.

Despite its festive appearance, every part of the plant is toxic. The berries are the most frequently ingested part, especially by young children who mistake them for edible fruit. The ASPCA lists this plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

What Part of Jerusalem Cherry Is Toxic?

All parts of the plant contain solanine and solanocapsine, alkaloids that disrupt cell membranes and the nervous system. The berries carry the highest alkaloid concentration. Leaves, stems, flowers, and unripe green berries are also toxic. The ripe orange-red berries are not safer than the unripe ones; all stages of the berry are harmful.

Symptoms of Jerusalem Cherry Ingestion

Dogs and cats: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and loss of appetite are the most common early signs. With larger ingestions, symptoms may progress to seizures, depression, respiratory slowing, and shock. Horses show similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms and may also develop ulceration of the digestive tract.

Humans and children: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea are the typical initial effects. Larger ingestions or ingestion by young children can lead to drowsiness, confusion, dilated pupils, and slowed heart rate. Severe cases require emergency care.

What to Do If Someone Ingests Jerusalem Cherry

1. Remove any berries or plant material from the mouth.
2. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional.
3. Note approximately how many berries were eaten and the time of ingestion.
4. Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) or your vet immediately.
5. Seek emergency care if seizures, loss of consciousness, or severe respiratory distress occurs.

Solanine poisoning can progress over several hours. Even if initial symptoms seem mild, monitoring is important and a call to poison control is always appropriate.

Keeping the Plant Out of Reach

Jerusalem cherry is best avoided in households with young children or animals that explore with their mouths. If you choose to keep the plant, take these steps:

• Place on high shelves that cats cannot reach by jumping.
• Keep in rooms that pets and young children do not enter unsupervised.
• Do not place at floor level or on low tables where berries are reachable.
• Remove fallen berries from the floor promptly.

A safer alternative for a decorative winter houseplant with bright color is the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera), which is non-toxic to pets and humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Jerusalem cherry berries toxic even when fully ripe and orange-red? Yes. The ripe berries are toxic, as are the unripe green ones. Do not assume the final color makes them safe to eat.

My cat ate a Jerusalem cherry berry. Should I go to the vet? Yes. Contact your vet promptly. Even one or two berries can cause gastrointestinal distress, and the severity depends on your cat’s size and how much was consumed.

Is Jerusalem cherry the same as the Jerusalem artichoke? No. These are entirely unrelated plants. The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is a safe edible tuber. Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) is a toxic ornamental.

Can I compost Jerusalem cherry plants safely? Yes. The alkaloids break down during composting. The concern is ensuring the fresh plant is not accessible to pets or children before disposal.