Variegated Schefflera

Schefflera arboricola Hayata (variegated cultivars)

Family: Araliaceae

Sap can irritate skin
Cream and gold variegated leaves

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

sap (skin contact), leaves, fruit (UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County describes the orange-yellow winter fruit as inedible)

Preparation

Ornamental plant only. Wear gloves when pruning.

Hazard type

calcium oxalate crystals, contact dermatitis from the sap

Hazard route

skin contact with sap; chewing the leaves (the effect is documented for cats and dogs)

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Toxic to dogs and cats

Toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is calcium oxalate crystals, which cause intense irritation of the mouth and throat, with heavy drooling, trouble swallowing and vomiting (NC State, ASPCA). NC State rates its own poison severity for this species as Low, and ASPCA lists the genus as toxic to dogs and cats; trouble swallowing is still a reason to call a veterinarian or an animal poison service, which is what ASPCA's page tells owners to do if they suspect exposure. The sap also causes contact dermatitis in some people (NC State). Horses are not listed on ASPCA's page. Keep the plant where pets cannot chew it.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla). To tell them apart: Size and spread: the umbrella tree grows into a massive tree, while dwarf schefflera, including its variegated forms, rarely passes 10 ft.. A plant tag that just says schefflera may not say which species it is. ASPCA's whole-genus page treats the whole Schefflera genus as toxic to dogs and cats, so treat either one as toxic. UF/IFAS Extension classifies the umbrella tree as invasive in Florida, with no recommended uses there; this guide does not cover it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 9b to 11 outdoors (UF/IFAS EDIS); NC State lists 9b to 12b. Grown as a houseplant in colder regions.
Mature size: Outdoors in warm climates the sources give 10 to 15 ft tall (UF/IFAS EDIS) or 10 to 25 ft tall and 4 to 8 ft wide (NC State); UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County says it rarely passes 10 ft. Indoors it is typically kept to 4 to 6 ft with pruning (NC State).
Where it comes from: China and Taiwan (UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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