Cupid's bower Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 4,069 found this helpful
Achimenes erecta (Lam.) H.P.Fuchs; Achimenes coccinea (Scop.) Pers.
1

No documented toxicity of this species in humans or common domestic animals exists in available published literature

2

The plant is not approved or suitable for use as feed for livestock or companion animals

3

Always confirm plant identity to avoid accidental ingestion of potentially toxic related Achimenes lookalikes

FAQ

Is Cupid's bower toxic to Humans?

No toxicity symptoms reported in available records. Seek medical care if unanticipated adverse effects occur post-ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Cupid's bower toxic to Cats?

No toxicity symptoms reported in available records. Seek veterinary care if unanticipated adverse effects occur post-ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Cupid's bower toxic to Dogs?

No toxicity symptoms reported in available records. Seek veterinary care if unanticipated adverse effects occur post-ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Cupid's bower toxic to Horses?

No toxicity symptoms reported in available records. Seek veterinary care if unanticipated adverse effects occur post-ingestion (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans
Non-toxic

No toxicity symptoms reported in available records. Seek medical care if unanticipated adverse effects occur post-ingestion

Cats
Non-toxic

No toxicity symptoms reported in available records. Seek veterinary care if unanticipated adverse effects occur post-ingestion

Dogs
Non-toxic

No toxicity symptoms reported in available records. Seek veterinary care if unanticipated adverse effects occur post-ingestion

Horses
Non-toxic

No toxicity symptoms reported in available records. Seek veterinary care if unanticipated adverse effects occur post-ingestion

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts identified; plant is presumed non-toxic but not intended for animal consumption
Exposure RouteIngestion is the only potential exposure route; no dermal or inhalation toxicity reported
Toxic CompoundsNo toxic phytochemicals have been identified in published screening of this species

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

  • • Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining plant material after accidental ingestion
  • • Monitor for mild gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reaction in the hours post-exposure
  • • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a qualified medical or veterinary professional

Contact Vet Immediately

  • • If your pet exhibits persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after ingesting large quantities of the plant
  • • If you cannot confirm the ingested plant is Achimenes erecta and suspect it may be a toxic lookalike
  • • If the exposed animal has pre-existing health conditions that increase sensitivity to novel plant material

Prevention

  • • Do not use Achimenes erecta as a fodder source for any livestock or companion animal
  • • Label all ornamental garden and houseplants to reduce risk of misidentification as edible/forage species
  • • Keep ornamental plants out of reach of young children and unsupervised pets as a general safety precaution

Treatment & Prognosis

  • • Provide only supportive care for any mild, transient adverse effects if they occur
  • • No specific antidote is required as no toxic compounds are known for this species
  • • Treat allergic reactions or gastrointestinal distress symptomatically per provider guidance
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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAchimenes erecta (Lam.) H.P.Fuchs; Achimenes coccinea (Scop.) Pers.
AliasesNut orchid、Magic flower、Aufrechter Schiefteller (German common name)
Toxicity Grade
HumansNon-toxic
CatsNon-toxic
DogsNon-toxic
HorsesNon-toxic
Target Organs
No specific organ damage associated with exposure to this species has been documented
Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism of action has been identified for this species, as no toxicity has been recorded

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No toxicity reported, but the plant is not suitable for use as a regular fodder source
Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No adverse effects recorded, avoid feeding large quantities as part of regular diet
Pet birds: No documented toxicity, but the species is unsuitable as a primary food source
Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Achimenes species Achimenes spp.
Closely related species in the Achimenes genus may have varying untested toxicity profiles; confirm identity via distinct flower shape and leaf morphology to avoid misclassification
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Data Sources

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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