Peacock Flower Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,548 found this helpful

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

Its core toxic compounds are gastrointestinal irritants and tannins.

Ingestion typically causes only mild to moderate digestive symptoms in affected animals.

FAQ

Is Peacock Flower toxic to Humans?

No confirmed clinical toxicity data for humans is available; seek medical care if large quantities are accidentally ingested. (Low)

Is Peacock Flower toxic to Cats?

Vomiting and diarrhea, per ASPCA clinical reports. (Low)

Is Peacock Flower toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting and diarrhea, per ASPCA clinical reports. (Low)

Is Peacock Flower toxic to Horses?

Vomiting and diarrhea, per ASPCA clinical reports. (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No confirmed clinical toxicity data for humans is available; seek medical care if large quantities are accidentally ingested.

Cats

Low

Vomiting and diarrhea, per ASPCA clinical reports.

Dogs

Low

Vomiting and diarrhea, per ASPCA clinical reports.

Horses

Low

Vomiting and diarrhea, per ASPCA clinical reports.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts are considered potentially toxic, with higher concentrations of harmful compounds recorded in seeds and young leaves.

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is accidental ingestion of plant material; skin contact may cause mild local irritation in sensitive individuals or animals.

Toxic CompoundsGI Irritants; Tannins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the affected animal's mouth immediately.
• Rinse the animal's mouth with clean lukewarm water to eliminate residual plant matter.
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a licensed veterinarian.

Contact Vet Immediately

• The animal has ingested any quantity of Peacock Flower plant material.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or abdominal pain appears after exposure.
• Symptoms persist for more than 2 hours after initial onset.

Prevention

• Keep Peacock Flower plants out of reach of pets and horses in indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Confirm plant identification before planting in areas accessible to livestock or companion animals.
• Train pets to avoid consuming unknown ornamental or wild plants.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarians may administer activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed toxins in the digestive tract.
• Supportive fluid therapy may be provided to address dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.
• Symptomatic anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea medication may be prescribed to reduce discomfort.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCaesalpinia pulcherrima

AliasesBarbados Pride、Dwarf Poinciana

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small and large intestines)

Mechanism of Action

• Tannins and GI irritants in the plant irritate the mucosal lining of the stomach and intestines, triggering localized inflammation and digestive symptoms.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: No formal toxicity data is available; ingestion of large quantities may cause similar gastrointestinal distress as reported in horses.

Sheep and Goats: No confirmed adverse effect reports exist; high tannin content may cause digestive upset if large amounts are consumed.

Small Companion Mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Ingestion may trigger vomiting, diarrhea, and digestive discomfort; keep plants out of accessible housing areas.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Royal Poinciana Delonix regia

Visually similar due to bright red-orange showy flowers and feathery fern-like foliage; key difference: Royal Poinciana grows into a large 10-15m tree, while Peacock Flower is a small 2-4m shrub/dwarf tree.

Yellow Bird of Paradise Caesalpinia gilliesii

Shares the same feathery foliage and clustered flower growth habit; key difference: Yellow Bird of Paradise has primarily pale yellow flowers with long red stamens, while Peacock Flower has red/orange flowers with yellow edges.

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Related Toxic Plants

Golden Chain Tree

Laburnum anagyroides

High toxicity

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

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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.