Is Crepe Myrtle (Crape Myrtle) safe for cats and dogs?
| Species | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Cats | Safe |
| Dogs | Safe |
Severity: Mild
Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), also spelled crape myrtle, is a small ornamental tree valued for its long summer bloom season and smooth, peeling bark. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to both cats and dogs, so a curious cat that noses at the blossoms or a dog that chews on a fallen twig is not at meaningful risk of plant poisoning.
Crepe myrtle is one of the most widely planted flowering trees across the American South, lining streets and yards from the Carolinas to Texas, where its months-long bloom holds up through the region's hot, humid summers better than most other flowering trees. Southern gardeners and extension offices also spend a fair amount of time warning against a common pruning mistake known as "crape murder" — hacking the tree back hard each winter. Clemson University's Home & Garden Information Center puts it bluntly: "Topping has been aptly named 'Crape Murder' by gardeners due to the murderous affect to the plants appearance resulting from the severe nature of the pruning." The extension office recommends little to no pruning beyond removing dead or crossing branches, letting the tree keep its natural form.
Because the plant itself is not toxic, the main things to watch for around pets are mechanical — sharp cut stems, fallen branches, or any pesticide or fertilizer sprayed on the tree — rather than the crepe myrtle's leaves or flowers.
Facts and examples
- Clemson University's Home & Garden Information Center describes severe winter topping of crape myrtles as "Crape Murder," stating it is "aptly named... due to the murderous affect to the plants appearance," and recommends against the practice in favor of light pruning only. (source, verified 2026-07-31)
Verdict re-verified against aspca.org, 2026-07-31 — confirmed unchanged. Source
This page is for general information only and is not veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is showing symptoms, or you think they ate or touched something dangerous, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison-control hotline immediately.
Last verified 2026-07-31