Laurustinus

Viburnum tinus L.

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

fruit (berries)

Preparation

none: ornamental

Hazard type

ingestion, skin contact (RHS advises gloves)

Hazard route

ingestion; handling the fruit

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

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats and other pets: ASPCA was searched by species and common names and has no page that assesses this plant. The RHS advises keeping this plant's fruit away from pets, and a Spanish provincial guide lists it as toxic if ingested. A different species, Viburnum lentago (black haw), is listed non-toxic by ASPCA; that cannot be applied to laurustinus. Treat the berries as a hazard.

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 Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Viburnum tinus L., not on the common name.. The French name 'laurier-tin' and the English 'laurustinus' contain 'laurel/laurier' but this is a viburnum, not a laurel. Do not confuse with Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel, listed on ASPCA's laurel page) or Laurus nobilis (bay laurel). The INRAE PDF notes the name has nothing to do with laurel.

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 8a-10b per NC State; RHS H4 per RHS (hardy through most of the UK). FR/ES: not confirmed no hardiness zone read in the French or Spanish pages.
Light: Full sun to part shade (NC State); RHS also lists full shade, with shelter from cold drying winds.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: unit: ft; scope: species, NC State figure

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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