American Mandrake
Not listed does not mean safe.
Eric Hunt · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo source · shows: Podophyllum peltatum
Podophyllum peltatum
Also known as: Mayapple, Indian Apple Root, Umbrella Leaf, Wild Lemon, Hog Apple, Duck's Foot, Raccoonberry
Family: Berberidaceae · ASPCA plant record
Verdict at a glance
Evidence by animal
| Animal | Verdict | Basis | Plant parts | Sources | Evidence link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Companion mammals | |||||
| Cats | Cats: ⚠ Toxic | Not specified | ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control | evidence | |
| Dogs | Dogs: ⚠ Toxic | Pet Poison Helpline: toxic to dogs | all parts (ripe fruit least toxic) | Pet Poison Helpline: Mayapple Poison control ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control | evidence |
| Horses & livestock | |||||
| Horses | Horses: ⚠ Toxic | Not specified | ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control | evidence | |
| Small mammals | |||||
| Rabbits | Rabbits: ⚠ Toxic | rabbit.org: listed as poisonous (not graded); WHRS Class 1: universal toxin | Not specified | House Rabbit Society (rabbit.org) Rescue/education group Wisconsin House Rabbit Society Rescue/education group | evidence |
| Reptiles | |||||
| Tortoises | Tortoises: ! Caution | Tortoise Trust: listed as toxic, degree uncertain | Not specified | Tortoise Trust Specialist charity | evidence |
Source excerpts
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — Cats, Dogs, Horses
poison-control
Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
Source checked 2026-11-07
Read original sourcePet Poison Helpline — Mayapple — Dogs
poison-control
Pet Poison Helpline: toxic to dogs · all parts (ripe fruit least toxic) · Pet Poison Helpline page titled "Mayapple Is Toxic To Dogs". Scientific name Podophyllum peltatum; alternate names include Wild Mandrake and Umbrella Leaf (matches ASPCA American Mandrake).
Mayapple contains the chemical podophylltoxin within all parts of the plant. Ingestion by animals results in gastrointestinal distress (e.g., vomiting, drooling, diarrhea) and, less commonly, neurological signs (excitement, stumbling). The ripe fruit contains the least amount of podophyllotoxin, but ingestion of large numbers of ripe fruits may lead to mild gastrointestinal signs.
Source checked 2026-11-07
Read original sourceHouse Rabbit Society (rabbit.org) — Poisonous Plants — Rabbits
rescue-education
rabbit.org: listed as poisonous (not graded) · rabbit.org list "Poisonous Plants" (compiled by the University of Illinois): plants "normally thought to be poisonous"; "others may cause a reaction in some but not in others". Not a graded risk.
Mayapple
Source checked 2026-10-27
Read original sourceWisconsin House Rabbit Society — Classes of Toxic Plants — Rabbits
rescue-education
WHRS Class 1: universal toxin · Wisconsin House Rabbit Society chapter list (G. Flentke, 2012): Class 1 — "Universal species toxins": "usually systemic toxins or local effect toxins of sufficient intensity to cause systemic problems" (list heading: "Do NOT expose rabbits to these plants.").
May Apple
Source checked 2026-10-27
Read original sourceTortoise Trust — Toxic Plants and Tortoises — Tortoises
specialist-charity
Tortoise Trust: listed as toxic, degree uncertain · Tortoise Trust toxic-plant list (from Highfield 2001): "Some plants on this list may be safely consumed in small or moderate quantities, but may be fatally toxic under certain circumstances or in large doses"; exact degree of toxicity unknown.
May apple
Source checked 2026-10-27
Read original sourceNo evidence collected in this database yet for 18 animals
No evidence collected in this database yet for: Guinea pigs, Hamsters, Rats, Mice, Chinchillas, Ferrets, Pet birds (general), Parrots (macaws, Amazons, African greys…), Budgerigars (budgies), Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Canaries, Finches, Pigeons & doves, Bearded dragons, Iguanas, Goats, Chickens & other poultry
No supported claim has been collected for these animals. Not listed does not mean safe; do not infer suitability from another species.
Toxic principles
ASPCA, as published: Podophyllin Source
Clinical signs
ASPCA, as published: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, panting, coma (rare); dermal - redness, skin ulcers. Source
More from veterinary sources
Last verified (ASPCA record): 2026-11-07.
Source access dates and limitations.
Similar plants (same family)
Shared family is not a shared verdict. Check each plant separately.