Is Night-blooming jessamine poisonous to dogs or cats?

Night-blooming jessamine

  • Scientific Name: Cestrum nocturnum
  • Also Known As: Night-blooming jessamine, Chinese inkberry
  • Is It Toxic? Yes
  • Toxins: Anticholinergic alkaloids; green berries most toxic; ripe berries not very toxic; also present in foliage
  • Symptoms: Dry mucosa, tachycardia, hyperthermia, mydriasis, excitation
  • Toxic Parts:
  • General:

Night-blooming jessamine (Cestrum nocturnum) is a herb that is toxic to dogs and cats. The toxin in this plant is called anticholinergic alkaloids, and it comes from the berries. The berries contain anticholinergic alkaloids, but it is not known how much is in each berry and how the animals are affected by it. Dogs and cats may exhibit dry mucosa, tachycardia, hyperthermia, mydriasis, and excitation when exposed to night-blooming jessamine.

What is Night-blooming jessamine?

Cestrum nocturnum, also known as night-blooming jessamine, is a night-blooming vine native to the mountains of North & South America. The plant grows to a height of 8-20 feet (2-6 m). The leaves are pinnated, lanceolate, and 5-12 cm (2-4 in) long and 3-10 cm (1.2-4 in) broad, and are found at the base of the plant. The flowers of night-blooming jessamine are inconspicuous, pink, or white. Night-blooming jessamine is used in folk medicine, and also makes a good container plant.