Metallic Leaf Begonia Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 825 found this helpful

Begonia metallica

This Begoniaceae family plant is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA data.

Its primary toxic compound is soluble calcium oxalates, with underground plant parts being the most toxic.

Ingestion can lead to serious symptoms including kidney failure in grazing animals like horses.

FAQ

Is Metallic Leaf Begonia toxic to Humans?

No specific human toxicity data documented, but ingestion may cause oral irritation, salivation, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. (Low)

Is Metallic Leaf Begonia toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, excessive salivation, and gastrointestinal distress following ingestion. (Moderate)

Is Metallic Leaf Begonia toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, excessive salivation, and gastrointestinal distress following ingestion. (Moderate)

Is Metallic Leaf Begonia toxic to Horses?

Kidney failure, alongside oral and gastrointestinal irritation, if plant material is grazed. (High)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No specific human toxicity data documented, but ingestion may cause oral irritation, salivation, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort.

Cats

Moderate

Vomiting, excessive salivation, and gastrointestinal distress following ingestion.

Dogs

Moderate

Vomiting, excessive salivation, and gastrointestinal distress following ingestion.

Horses

High

Kidney failure, alongside oral and gastrointestinal irritation, if plant material is grazed.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsUnderground plant parts (roots, rhizomes) are the most toxic; all above-ground parts carry secondary toxicity risk.

Exposure RouteIngestion of any plant part, particularly underground roots/rhizomes; direct skin contact may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Toxic CompoundsSoluble calcium oxalates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the affected animal's mouth immediately.
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean, cool water to reduce mucosal irritation.
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a licensed veterinarian.

Contact Vet Immediately

• The animal has ingested any quantity of Metallic Leaf Begonia, especially underground parts.
• The animal exhibits symptoms including vomiting, excessive salivation, lethargy, or reduced appetite.
• A grazing horse or livestock has accessed and eaten any part of the plant, due to kidney failure risk.

Prevention

• Keep Metallic Leaf Begonia plants out of reach of cats, dogs, and grazing livestock including horses.
• Clearly label potted begonia plants to avoid accidental ingestion by pets or farm animals.
• Remove wild growing Begonia metallica from pastures and areas accessible to grazing horses.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarians may administer gastrointestinal protectants to reduce irritation from oxalate crystals.
• Fluid therapy will be provided for grazing animals to support kidney function and prevent kidney failure.
• Symptomatic supportive care will be given to address vomiting, salivation, and other presenting symptoms.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameBegonia metallica

AliasesMetallic Begonia

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesHigh

Target Organs

Oral mucosaGastrointestinal tractKidneys

Mechanism of Action

• Soluble calcium oxalates are absorbed post-ingestion, causing immediate irritation of oral and gastrointestinal mucosa.

• In grazing animals, oxalates accumulate in kidney tissue, leading to cell damage and potential kidney failure.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: High toxicity risk, ingestion may lead to kidney failure as with horses, due to their status as grazing animals.

Sheep and Goats: Moderate to high toxicity risk, ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress and potential kidney damage.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Moderate toxicity, ingestion may cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, and gastrointestinal upset.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Rex Begonia Begonia rex

Visually similar due to textured, decorative foliage; key difference is that Begonia metallica has a distinct metallic silver sheen on its leaves that Begonia rex lacks.

Iron Cross Begonia Begonia masoniana

Both are popular ornamental begonias with textured leaves; Iron Cross Begonia has a distinct dark brown cross pattern on its leaves that is absent from Begonia metallica.

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Related Toxic Plants

Rex Begonia

Begonia rex

Moderate toxicity to cats, dogs, and horses

Wax Begonia

Begonia semperflorens

Moderate toxicity to cats, dogs, and horses

Tuberous Begonia

Begonia × tuberhybrida

High toxicity to cats, dogs, and horses, with tubers being the most toxic part

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

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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