Is Crossvine Toxic to Dogs?

Crossvine is one of the most searched native vines in Texas, partly because it looks similar to Carolina Jessamine, which is toxic to dogs. People want to know if they are the same thing, or if crossvine carries the same risk. They do not, and it does not.

What the ASPCA says

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center maintains a database of plants toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) does not appear on that list. "Not on the ASPCA toxic plant list" is a meaningful standard. It means the plant has not been documented to cause toxic reactions in the species listed. If you want to check directly, the ASPCA database is at aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants.

That said, "non-toxic" means no known systemic toxin, not a license for a dog to eat a whole plant. Mild GI upset is possible with any plant material in large quantities. If your dog eats a significant amount of anything and shows symptoms, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Crossvine vs. Carolina Jessamine: the confusion

The confusion usually comes from Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), a common Texas ornamental vine with yellow tubular flowers. Carolina Jessamine contains alkaloids that are toxic to dogs and humans. It looks like a well-behaved flowering vine, so people plant it not realizing the risk.

Crossvine has orange and red trumpet flowers in spring. The two plants do not look alike in bloom, but both are fast-growing vines used on fences and pergolas, which is probably why they get compared. If you have a vine and are not sure which one it is, the flower color is the fastest tell. Crossvine is orange-red. Carolina Jessamine is yellow.

If you are replacing Carolina Jessamine for pet safety reasons, crossvine is the most common native swap. You get similar vertical coverage, earlier spring bloom, and hummingbirds. See the full comparison in our crossvine vs. invasive honeysuckle guide.

Other Texas vines and dog safety

While you are checking, here are the other common Texas landscape vines and how they rank for pet safety:

What crossvine actually looks like in a yard

Crossvine is semi-evergreen in most of Texas, so it keeps some foliage through mild winters and leafs out fully in spring. The orange and red trumpet flowers show up in March and April. Hummingbirds are reliable visitors. It grows fast on fences, pergolas, and arbors, and it reads as intentional — which matters if you have an HOA. Unlike Japanese Honeysuckle, it does not become invasive.

It is native to the eastern half of Texas and grows well across the Hill Country, Blackland Prairie, Gulf Coast, and Piney Woods regions. Give it something to climb and it handles drought once established. Full sun or part shade both work.

If you are building a dog-safe native yard in Texas, the full guide is at dog-friendly backyard with Texas natives. For the broader list of toxic plants to avoid, see Texas yard plants toxic to dogs.