Elephant-Ear Begonia Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 4,254 found this helpful

Begonia scharfii

Begonia scharfii is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA toxicology data

Soluble calcium oxalates are the primary toxic compound, with underground plant parts being the most toxic

Ingestion can cause kidney failure in horses and other grazing animals, plus vomiting and salivation in cats and dogs

FAQ

Is Elephant-Ear Begonia toxic to Humans?

No specific clinical toxicity data for humans is documented, but ingestion may cause mild oral irritation, burning, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort (Low)

Is Elephant-Ear Begonia toxic to Cats?

Excessive salivation, oral irritation, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress (Moderate)

Is Elephant-Ear Begonia toxic to Dogs?

Excessive salivation, oral irritation, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress (Moderate)

Is Elephant-Ear Begonia toxic to Horses?

Acute kidney failure, reduced urination, lethargy, and potential gastrointestinal upset (High)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No specific clinical toxicity data for humans is documented, but ingestion may cause mild oral irritation, burning, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort

Cats

Moderate

Excessive salivation, oral irritation, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress

Dogs

Moderate

Excessive salivation, oral irritation, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress

Horses

High

Acute kidney failure, reduced urination, lethargy, and potential gastrointestinal upset

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsUnderground plant parts (roots, tubers) are the most toxic; all above-ground parts also contain toxic soluble calcium oxalates

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion; direct skin contact may cause mild temporary irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsSoluble calcium oxalates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove any remaining plant material from the exposed animal's mouth
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with cool, clean water to reduce residual oxalate irritation
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed to do so by a licensed veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your cat, dog, or horse has ingested any quantity of Elephant-Ear Begonia
• You observe symptoms including excessive salivation, vomiting, or reduced urination after exposure
• Your pet shows signs of oral pain, lethargy, or loss of appetite following contact with the plant

Prevention

• Keep all Begonia scharfii plants out of reach of pets, livestock, and young children
• Clear all fallen leaves, roots, and plant debris from areas accessible to cats, dogs, and grazing horses
• Label all toxic houseplants clearly to avoid accidental ingestion by caregivers or visitors

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarians may administer oral gastrointestinal protectants to reduce mucosal irritation from oxalate crystals
• Fluid therapy will be provided for horses to support kidney function and prevent life-threatening renal failure
• Anti-emetic and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to control vomiting and pain in cats and dogs

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameBegonia scharfii

Aliases

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesHigh

Target Organs

KidneysOral mucosaEsophagusGastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Soluble calcium oxalate crystals irritate the oral, throat, and gastrointestinal mucosal surfaces upon ingestion; in grazing species, oxalates accumulate in the kidneys leading to tissue damage and renal failure

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: High risk of acute kidney failure if allowed to graze on this plant, with potential for fatal outcomes without prompt veterinary intervention

Sheep: Ingestion can lead to oxalate accumulation in the kidneys, causing renal damage and reduced kidney function

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Ingestion may cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, and gastrointestinal stasis, which can be life threatening in small species

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Taro Colocasia esculenta

Both have large, broad 'elephant ear' shaped leaves; Taro is cultivated as an edible crop that requires thorough cooking to neutralize oxalates, while Begonia scharfii is not edible under any preparation

Giant Elephant Ear Alocasia macrorrhizos

Similar large, glossy peltate leaves earn both the elephant ear common name; Alocasia grows significantly larger than Begonia scharfii and has more pronounced, raised leaf veins

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Related Toxic Plants

Rex Begonia

Begonia rex

Moderate toxicity, soluble oxalates cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation in pets

Wax Begonia

Begonia semperflorens

Low to Moderate toxicity, ingestion may cause mild salivation and vomiting in cats and dogs

Tuberous Begonia

Begonia tuberhybrida

Moderate to High toxicity, tubers have the highest oxalate concentration and may cause severe symptoms if ingested

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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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