Toxicity to pets

The Boxwood Tree is commonly used as an ornamental plant around houses, similar to bushes. Originally, these plants came from parts of western and southern Europe, southwest Asia and northwest Africa before being found in the United States. Boxwood trees contain a butter-like oil and three alkaloids (buxine, cyclobuxine, and cycloprotobuxine), which is where its toxic nature is derived. Although there have been no recorded human deaths to the consumption of this plant, it is highly toxic to animals, particularly horses and livestock.

Common signs to watch for:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anorexia
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Difficulty breathing