Love-lies-bleeding Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,618 found this helpful

No confirmed toxicity of Amaranthus caudatus has been recorded in peer-reviewed scientific research to date

The plant is explicitly not recommended for use as feed for companion animals or livestock

It may be confused with other Amaranthus species that have differing, potentially toxic profiles

FAQ

Is Love-lies-bleeding toxic to Humans?

No known adverse symptoms reported from casual exposure; consult a healthcare provider if unusual reactions occur after ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Love-lies-bleeding toxic to Cats?

No known toxic symptoms reported; monitor for digestive upset if large amounts are ingested, contact a vet if concerns arise (Non-toxic)

Is Love-lies-bleeding toxic to Dogs?

No known toxic symptoms reported; monitor for vomiting or diarrhea if large volumes are consumed, contact a vet if symptoms persist (Non-toxic)

Is Love-lies-bleeding toxic to Horses?

No known toxic symptoms reported; avoid use as fodder, contact an equine vet if unusual health signs appear after exposure (Non-toxic)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No known adverse symptoms reported from casual exposure; consult a healthcare provider if unusual reactions occur after ingestion

Cats

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms reported; monitor for digestive upset if large amounts are ingested, contact a vet if concerns arise

Dogs

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms reported; monitor for vomiting or diarrhea if large volumes are consumed, contact a vet if symptoms persist

Horses

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms reported; avoid use as fodder, contact an equine vet if unusual health signs appear after exposure

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic plant parts are identified in existing research; the entire plant is presumed non-toxic but not recommended for animal feed

Exposure RoutePrimary potential exposure route is ingestion; skin contact is not associated with known adverse effects for most people

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic compounds have been reported or isolated for this species in available scientific literature

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse out the mouth with clean water if small amounts are ingested by humans or pets
• Remove any remaining plant material from access to children and unsupervised animals
• Monitor for mild digestive discomfort for 2 to 4 hours post-ingestion as a precaution

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet exhibits persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after ingesting large amounts of the plant
• If you cannot confirm the ingested plant is Amaranthus caudatus and suspect a toxic related Amaranthus species
• If your horse or other livestock shows unusual health signs after being fed this plant

Prevention

• Do not use this plant as a feed source for any companion animals or livestock
• Label cultivated specimens clearly to avoid confusion with potentially toxic related Amaranthus species
• Keep large volumes of the plant out of reach of young children and unsupervised pets

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care such as fresh water if mild digestive upset occurs after large ingestion
• No specific antidote is required as no confirmed toxic effects are associated with this species
• Consult a medical provider or veterinarian for guidance if persistent adverse symptoms appear

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAmaranthus caudatus L. (synonyms: Amaranthus dussii Sprenger, Amaranthus edulis Speg., Amaranthus mantegazzianus Pass.)

AliasesPendant amaranth、Tassel flower、Velvet flower、Foxtail amaranth、Quilete、Kiwicha、Quihuicha、Garten-Fuchsschwanz、Garten-Amarant、Queue de renard、Amarante caudée、Amaranto coda rossa

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are known to be targeted by toxic effects from this species

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism of action has been documented for this species, as no adverse toxic effects have been reported in available research

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, and other ruminants: No confirmed toxicity reported, but use as fodder is not recommended to avoid risk of exposure to misidentified toxic related species

Poultry: No adverse effects reported from small incidental consumption, but large-scale unmonitored feeding is not advised

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other amaranth species Amaranthus spp.

Many Amaranthus species share very similar leaf and flower morphology; confirm species identity before assessing toxicity, as other varieties may contain harmful levels of nitrates or oxalates

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Redroot pigweed

Amaranthus retroflexus

Moderate toxicity (high nitrate and oxalate content)

Greasewood

Sarcobatus vermiculatus

High toxicity (high soluble oxalate content)

Russian thistle

Salsola tragus

Low to moderate toxicity (nitrate accumulation under stressed growing conditions)

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

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