Paperflower, Lesser bougainvillea Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,752 found this helpful

No confirmed toxic effects of this Bougainvillea species are recorded in available scientific literature

While classified as likely non-toxic, the plant is explicitly not suitable for use as feed for any animal species

Ingestion of large quantities may still cause mild non-specific gastrointestinal upset in sensitive humans or animals

FAQ

Is Paperflower, Lesser bougainvillea toxic to Humans?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; large ingestion may cause mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) in sensitive individuals (Non-toxic)

Is Paperflower, Lesser bougainvillea toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; large ingestion may cause mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite) in sensitive individuals (Non-toxic)

Is Paperflower, Lesser bougainvillea toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; large ingestion may cause mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite) in sensitive individuals (Non-toxic)

Is Paperflower, Lesser bougainvillea toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; large ingestion may cause mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea, reduced forage intake) in sensitive individuals (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; large ingestion may cause mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) in sensitive individuals

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; large ingestion may cause mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite) in sensitive individuals

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; large ingestion may cause mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite) in sensitive individuals

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; large ingestion may cause mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea, reduced forage intake) in sensitive individuals

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo plant parts are confirmed to be toxic per available literature; all plant parts are unsuitable for use as human or animal feed

Exposure RouteOral ingestion is the only potential exposure route; dermal contact with the plant does not cause documented toxic effects

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic phytochemicals have been isolated or confirmed for this species in published research to date

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining plant residue after ingestion
• Monitor the exposed individual (human or animal) for 24 hours for signs of gastrointestinal upset
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a medical professional or veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet or livestock exhibits persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after ingesting large quantities of the plant
• The exposed animal shows signs of an allergic reaction (swelling, hives, difficulty breathing) after contact or ingestion
• You are uncertain of the plant's identity and suspect it may be a more toxic untested Bougainvillea species

Prevention

• Do not plant this species in areas accessible to livestock that may forage on it as a feed source
• Teach children not to eat any ornamental garden plants, including bougainvillea, to avoid potential adverse reactions
• Restrict access to large quantities of bougainvillea foliage for sensitive pets to prevent unnecessary gastrointestinal upset

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care for mild gastrointestinal symptoms including fluid replacement and anti-emetics if clinically required
• Treat rare allergic reactions with antihistamines or epinephrine as appropriate for the clinical presentation
• No specific antidote exists, as no severe toxic effects have been documented for this species

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameBougainvillea glabra Choisy; Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. var. glabra (Choisy) Hook.

AliasesGlabrous bougainvillea、Kahle Drillingsblume (German common name)、Bougainvillier (French common name)

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs have been documented to be negatively affected by exposure to this species

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism has been identified for this species, as no confirmed toxic effects have been recorded in research

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats): No confirmed toxicity reported, but ingestion of large amounts as forage may cause mild rumen upset and digestive discomfort

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No toxic effects documented, but the plant is not recommended as a regular dietary component

Pet and wild birds: No confirmed toxicity reports, but excessive ingestion may cause transient digestive discomfort and loose droppings

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Bougainvillea species Bougainvillea spp. (unlisted, less common varieties)

Other less widely cultivated Bougainvillea species may have untested or confirmed toxicity profiles; confirm identity via leaf and bract morphology to rule out higher-risk relatives

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Related Toxic Plants

Four o'clock flower

Mirabilis jalapa

Low toxicity (mild gastrointestinal and dermal effects if ingested)

Birdlime tree

Pisonia grandis

Moderate toxicity (toxic to small animals and birds, causes gastrointestinal and neurological effects)

Wild four o'clock

Mirabilis nyctaginea

Low toxicity (mild gastrointestinal irritation if large quantities are 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.