Queen's-tears Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,981 found this helpful

Toxins are suspected in this species, but no animal poisoning cases have been formally documented as of 2020.

This plant is not appropriate for use as feed for any companion animals or livestock.

It is easily confused with multiple other visually similar species in the Bromeliaceae family.

FAQ

Is Queen's-tears toxic to Humans?

No documented poisoning symptoms have been reported in scientific literature for this species to date. (Non-toxic)

Is Queen's-tears toxic to Cats?

No documented poisoning symptoms have been reported in scientific literature for this species to date. (Non-toxic)

Is Queen's-tears toxic to Dogs?

No documented poisoning symptoms have been reported in scientific literature for this species to date. (Non-toxic)

Is Queen's-tears toxic to Horses?

No documented poisoning symptoms have been reported in scientific literature for this species to date. (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms have been reported in scientific literature for this species to date.

Cats

Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms have been reported in scientific literature for this species to date.

Dogs

Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms have been reported in scientific literature for this species to date.

Horses

Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms have been reported in scientific literature for this species to date.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts are suspected to potentially contain unconfirmed toxins, no specific toxic plant parts have been identified.

Exposure RoutePrimary potential exposure route is ingestion; no reports of dermal or inhalation toxicity exist as of 2020.

Toxic CompoundsNo specific toxic compounds have been formally identified or isolated in peer-reviewed literature to date

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingested, rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water immediately to remove remaining plant residue.
• Clear any leftover plant material from the surrounding area to prevent further accidental consumption.
• Monitor for unusual symptoms including gastrointestinal discomfort for 2 to 4 hours post-ingestion.

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet or horse develops vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or other unusual symptoms after ingestion.
• If a large quantity of the plant was ingested by any animal, even if no symptoms are immediately present.

Prevention

• Keep potted Queen's-tears out of reach of companion animals, and away from grazing areas for livestock.
• Never harvest or feed any part of this plant to pets, horses, or other domestic animals.
• Learn to distinguish this species from other similar Bromeliaceae plants if growing it in a home or garden accessible to animals.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care including fluid therapy and gastrointestinal protectants if the patient shows symptoms.
• No specific antidote exists for this plant, so treatment is targeted to individual presenting symptoms.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameBillbergia nutans H.Wendl. ex Regel

AliasesDrooping billbergia、Angel's tear、House oat

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific target organs have been identified, no documented organ damage linked to ingestion of this species

Mechanism of Action

• No confirmed toxicity mechanism has been identified, as no active toxic compounds have been isolated to date

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No documented poisoning cases, but the plant is not considered suitable for feed due to suspected toxin presence

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No confirmed toxicity reports, but ingestion is not recommended as a precautionary measure

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Billbergia species Billbergia spp.

Share highly similar rosette leaf structure and growth habit with Queen's-tears, differentiated primarily by flower shape and color

Aechmea species Aechmea spp.

Part of the same Bromeliaceae family, share the same epiphytic growth pattern and leaf morphology as Queen's-tears

Guzmania species Guzmania spp.

Have nearly identical glossy, pointed leaf rosettes to Queen's-tears, distinguished by their upright, brightly colored inflorescences

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Related Toxic Plants

Spanish moss

Tillandsia usneoides

Low toxicity, may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large quantities

Flaming sword

Vriesea splendens

Low toxicity, contains mild irritant compounds that can cause mouth and throat discomfort

Urn plant

Aechmea fasciata

Low toxicity, may trigger mild vomiting or diarrhea in pets if ingested

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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.