Is Australian Pine Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Araucaria heterophylla
Advertisement
Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | No |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | No |
| Toxic to horses | No |
| Toxic component | N/A — non-toxic |
| Onset of symptoms | N/A |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
Advertisement
What to do
No treatment is needed. Because it's often brought into the house seasonally and placed somewhere accessible, it's a convenient safe choice if you're decorating with a pet-friendly live tree.
Toxic component and mechanism
Australian Pine is not known to contain toxic compounds harmful to dogs, cats, or horses.
What makes this plant different
Australian Pine is confirmed non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. Despite the pine-like needles, it's not a true pine at all — botanically it's Araucaria heterophylla, more precisely known as Norfolk Island Pine, and it's commonly sold as a small potted "mini Christmas tree" around the holidays.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Araucaria heterophylla
- Family
- Araucariaceae
- Also known as
- Australian Pine, Norfolk Pine, Norfolk Island Pine
- Typically found
- both
Advertisement
Related plants
Acorn Squash
Cucurbita pepo
African Daisy
Gerbera jamesonii
African Violet
Saintpaulia spp.
Algaroba
Prosopis limensis
Alsike Clover
Trifolium hybridum
See all Araucariaceae plants →
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control