Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 4,907 found this helpful

Brunfelsia species

All parts of Brunfelsia species are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with no safe ingestion threshold

The core toxic compound is brunfelsamidine, which can cause seizures that persist for multiple days post-exposure

Immediate veterinary care is critical if ingestion is suspected, even before symptoms appear

FAQ

Is Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity data available, but large quantity ingestion may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal and neurological upset (Low)

Is Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow toxic to Cats?

Tremors, seizures that may last for several days, diarrhea, vomiting, hypersalivation, lethargy, incoordination, coughing (High)

Is Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow toxic to Dogs?

Tremors, seizures that may last for several days, diarrhea, vomiting, hypersalivation, lethargy, incoordination, coughing (High)

Is Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow toxic to Horses?

Tremors, seizures that may last for several days, diarrhea, vomiting, hypersalivation, lethargy, incoordination, coughing (High)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No confirmed human toxicity data available, but large quantity ingestion may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal and neurological upset

Cats

High

Tremors, seizures that may last for several days, diarrhea, vomiting, hypersalivation, lethargy, incoordination, coughing

Dogs

High

Tremors, seizures that may last for several days, diarrhea, vomiting, hypersalivation, lethargy, incoordination, coughing

Horses

High

Tremors, seizures that may last for several days, diarrhea, vomiting, hypersalivation, lethargy, incoordination, coughing

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts are toxic, with the highest concentration of toxic compounds found in leaves, flowers, and ripe seeds

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary toxicity route; dermal exposure may cause mild temporary irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsBrunfelsamidine

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the exposed animal's mouth immediately if ingestion is witnessed
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a licensed veterinarian
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification to support targeted treatment
• Monitor the animal closely for early signs of tremors, excessive salivation, or unusual lethargy

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of Brunfelsia plant material by cats, dogs, or horses
• Appearance of abnormal symptoms including tremors, seizures, vomiting, or unsteady movement after exposure
• Development of seizure activity, respiratory distress, or severe lethargy post-exposure

Prevention

• Keep Brunfelsia plants out of reach of pets and livestock, and avoid planting them in accessible yards or pastures
• Educate household members and pet sitters to identify this plant and restrict animal access to it
• Regularly clear fallen leaves, flowers, and berries from Brunfelsia plants in areas accessible to animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarians may administer activated charcoal to reduce absorption of the toxic compound in recently exposed animals
• Seizure control medication and intravenous fluid therapy will be provided to manage neurological symptoms and support organ function
• Symptomatic care including anti-emetics for vomiting and cough suppressants may be administered as needed
• Extended monitoring for up to 3-5 days may be required due to risk of prolonged seizure activity

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameBrunfelsia species

AliasesMorning-Noon-and-Night、Kiss-Me-Quick、Lady-of-the-Night、Fransiscan Rain Tree、Brunfelsia

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsHigh

DogsHigh

HorsesHigh

Target Organs

Central nervous systemGastrointestinal tractRespiratory system

Mechanism of Action

• Brunfelsamidine acts on the central nervous system to trigger excitatory responses including tremors and extended seizure activity

• The compound irritates the gastrointestinal mucosal lining, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Suspected to be toxic, may cause similar neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms as reported in horses if ingested in large quantities

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Toxicity is not formally documented, but ingestion is not recommended and may trigger adverse reactions

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Lilac Syringa vulgaris

Both produce clusters of fragrant purple to white flowers; key difference is Brunfelsia flowers fade from deep purple to white over 3 days, while lilac flowers stay a consistent color

Mandevilla Mandevilla sanderi

Both have glossy green foliage and showy ornamental flowers; Brunfelsia bears multi-colored blooms on the same shrub, while Mandevilla flowers are uniformly colored across the plant

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Related Toxic Plants

Green Potato Foliage & Tubers

Solanum tuberosum

Moderate

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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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