Is Hardenbergia Violacea Toxic to Dogs?

Identifying Lilac Vines

• Lilac vines are part of the Fabaceae, or pea, family. They feature evergreen vines that climb via twining stems and can grow 12 to 16 feet long. The vines feature 2- to 4-inch-long leaves and pinkish-purple flowers with a yellowish-green spot in the center. The flower coloration and the vine’s cascading appearance are similar to small wisteria (Wisteria spp.) flowers, which are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9 and are extremely toxic to dogs.

Wisteria Versus Lilac Vine

• Wisteria plants tend to have slightly larger flowers that may be white, blue or violet, and their leaves are pinnately divided. Lilac vine leaves are simple and oblong, and their flowers have a pink tinge not present in wisteria blooms. When compared side by side, lilac vine and wisteria vines are clearly different. However, if your dog has ingested wisteria, the parts you may retrieve from its mouth are similar enough that you may mistake them for lilac vine, and vice versa. Wisteria species and lilac vine share the same plant family, but wisteria seeds contain wisterin, which is a glycoside, and toxic resin that may cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested by your dog.

Nontoxic, But Still Dangerous

• Lilac vines are not listed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as toxic to dogs, cats or horses, but this doesn’t mean they’re safe for your dog to eat. Sometimes plants that are not toxic can cause an allergic reaction if ingested by dogs, and the resulting symptoms, which may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and irritation to the mouth, may be similar to those that occur with poisonous plants.

If Your Dog Ingests Plant Parts

• If your dog ingests any plant, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435, even if you’ve identified the plant as nontoxic. Even plants considered to be nontoxic, including the lilac vine, can cause allergic reactions with symptoms as severe as those caused by poisonous plants. A pet care professional can tell you what symptoms to look for and how to proceed if an allergic reaction occurs.