PlantFunMapleleaf Begonia Toxic?
This species is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA toxicology data
Soluble calcium oxalates are the primary toxic principle, with the highest concentrations found in underground plant parts
Ingestion poses a high risk of life-threatening kidney failure in horses and other grazing animals
FAQ
Is Mapleleaf Begonia toxic to Humans?
No specific human toxicity data on file, but ingestion may cause mild oral irritation, salivation, and gastrointestinal upset consistent with calcium oxalate exposure (Low)
Is Mapleleaf Begonia toxic to Cats?
Excessive salivation, vomiting, oral pain, pawing at the mouth, and gastrointestinal distress (Moderate)
Is Mapleleaf Begonia toxic to Dogs?
Excessive salivation, vomiting, oral pain, pawing at the mouth, and gastrointestinal distress (Moderate)
Is Mapleleaf Begonia toxic to Horses?
Salivation, gastrointestinal pain, kidney failure, weakness, and reduced urine output (High)
Toxicity Details
No specific human toxicity data on file, but ingestion may cause mild oral irritation, salivation, and gastrointestinal upset consistent with calcium oxalate exposure
Excessive salivation, vomiting, oral pain, pawing at the mouth, and gastrointestinal distress
Excessive salivation, vomiting, oral pain, pawing at the mouth, and gastrointestinal distress
Salivation, gastrointestinal pain, kidney failure, weakness, and reduced urine output
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Immediately remove any remaining plant material from the affected animal's mouth and rinse the mouth thoroughly with cool clean water
- • If the animal is fully alert and ingested the plant within the last 15 minutes, offer small amounts of plain water or milk to dilute oxalate compounds
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a licensed veterinarian or animal poison control specialist
Contact Vet Immediately
- • The animal has ingested any quantity of the plant's underground root/rhizome parts
- • The animal displays observable symptoms including vomiting, excessive salivation, lethargy, or refusal to eat/drink
- • The affected animal is a horse, cow, or other grazing species, which face elevated risk of life-threatening kidney damage
Prevention
- • Keep potted Mapleleaf Begonia plants out of reach of pets, livestock, and small children
- • Clearly label all Begonia cleopatra plants to alert others of their toxic properties
- • Fence off outdoor growing areas for this plant to prevent access by grazing horses and other farm animals
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Veterinarians will typically administer supportive fluid therapy to flush oxalate compounds and protect kidney function, especially for grazing animals
- • Symptomatic care including anti-emetics, pain relievers, and oral protective coatings may be provided for mouth and gastrointestinal irritation
- • Kidney function will be monitored via blood and urine tests for 24 to 72 hours post-ingestion for at-risk species
Professional Toxicology
• Soluble calcium oxalates are absorbed after ingestion, binding to bodily calcium to form sharp crystals that irritate mucosal membranes in the mouth and digestive tract, and accumulate in kidney tissue to cause organ damage
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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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.