Can You Eat Cotoneaster Berries?

About Cotoneaster

• Cotoneasters can be deciduous or evergreen and grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 7. They vary in appearance, with some species growing to 12 inches and some to 6 feet, with spreads that vary between 2 and 8 feet. Some species have a spreading habit, while some grow in a more upright fashion. They are often used for borders, hedges, mass plantings or ground covers, depending on the type. Berries range from yellow to orange to red and black in color, but all contain low amounts of toxic compounds.

Toxicity

• Cotoneaster is not usually deadly. Eaten in large amounts, its berries can cause gastroenteritis. This means the stomach and intestinal tract become irritated and inflamed, leading to sometimes severe abdominal cramping along with diarrhea and vomiting. Although it isn’t dangerous unless eaten in large quantities, even moderate amounts can cause discomfort in smaller children. In cats and dogs, symptoms will include diarrhea and vomiting as well as drooling, dullness and dehydration.

Responses

• If someone has eaten these berries in large amounts, call the Poison Control Center for advice. Although cotoneaster berries aren’t deadly, they can still cause serious trouble in the stomach and intestines, so get advice from a professional even if you aren’t sure whether or not the person has actually eaten berries. If you see signs of having eaten cotoneaster berries in a dog or cat -- lethargy, drooling, loss of appetite -- call your vet right away to get an assessment and find out if you need to take your animal in.

Prevention

• The best way to prevent accidental poisoning from cotoneaster berries is to ensure everyone knows how to identify them. Show small children what the berries look like and tell them not to eat them. Keep curious dogs away from them. If your dogs tend to eat plants, don’t leave them unattended in the presence of cotoneaster, or don’t plant them.