Plant safety record
Hellebore
Helleborus niger
Prevent access to Helleborus niger and contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service if a cat or dog may have chewed or swallowed it.
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Cats
TOXIC
ASPCA classifies Helleborus niger as toxic to cats and reports drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, and depression.
Dogs
TOXIC
ASPCA classifies Helleborus niger as toxic to dogs and reports drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, and depression.
Quick answer
ASPCA lists Helleborus niger as toxic to cats and dogs and reports drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, and depression.
Plant identity and scope
This record is limited to Helleborus niger. Christmas Rose is retained as an exact-identity alias; broader hellebore trade names do not expand this species record.
Governed aliases: Christmas Rose.
What the evidence supports
The toxic conclusion uses ASPCA's exact Helleborus niger subject for both pets. It is not a genus-wide classification.
Safety classifications come from PawPlants' governed evidence record, not from a retailer or product label.
If exposure may have occurred
Prevent further access, retain a label or clear photo, and contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service. Seek prompt care for marked drooling, repeated diarrhea, pain, weakness, or depression.
Open PawPlants emergency guidance for immediate next steps and contact options.
Evidence and sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — HelleboreCat: Toxic; Dog: Toxic; subject: Helleborus niger.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — Plants of the World Online — Helleborus nigerBotanical identity subject: Helleborus niger.