Heavenly Bamboo
Not listed does not mean safe.
KENPEI · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · shows: Nandina
Nandina domestica
Also known as: Sacred Bamboo, Nandina
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 | Not specified | 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 | |
| Birds | |||||
| Pet birds (general) | Pet birds (general): ⚠ Toxic | VCA: on the may-be-poisonous list (not specifically reported) | Not specified | UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine University VCA Animal Hospitals Veterinary reference | 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 2026-10-27
Read original sourceUC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine — Toxic Plant Garden — Pet birds (general)
university
UC Davis Toxic Plant Garden entry: Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica)
Toxic to cats, dogs, horses, birds
Source checked 2026-10-27
Read original sourceVCA Animal Hospitals — Plants That Are Toxic to Birds — Pet birds (general)
veterinary-reference
VCA: on the may-be-poisonous list (not specifically reported) · VCA: on the list of "many plants which may be poisonous to birds, although it is not exhaustive"; no asterisk, so not specifically reported harmful in birds. VCA notes information is often inferred from other species.
Heavenly Bamboo
Source checked 2026-10-27 (source updated Aug 14, 2026)
Read original sourceNo evidence collected in this database yet for 19 animals
No evidence collected in this database yet for: Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Hamsters, Rats, Mice, Chinchillas, Ferrets, Parrots (macaws, Amazons, African greys…), Budgerigars (budgies), Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Canaries, Finches, Pigeons & doves, Tortoises, 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: Cyanogenic glycosides Source
Clinical signs
ASPCA, as published: Weakness, incoordination, seizures, coma, respiratory failure, death (rare in pets). Source
Last verified (ASPCA record): 2026-10-27. Source access dates and limitations.