Basket plant Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,925 found this helpful

All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals and needle-shaped raphides that trigger local irritation on contact.

Plant sap causes cell-mediated contact dermatitis in dogs, with potential systemic effects including circulatory collapse after large ingestion.

The plant is severely toxic to birds, with exposure carrying high risk of fatal outcomes.

FAQ

Is Basket plant toxic to Humans?

No specific toxicity data reported; calcium oxalate raphides may cause mild skin, mouth or eye irritation on contact or accidental ingestion. (Low)

Is Basket plant toxic to Cats?

No confirmed species-specific toxicity data available; monitor for skin redness, swelling or gastrointestinal upset if exposure occurs. (Low)

Is Basket plant toxic to Dogs?

Vesico-pustular skin and mucous membrane lesions with itching, redness, swelling and exudation; possible systemic symptoms include acute circulatory collapse, vomiting, abdominal pain and lethargy. (Moderate)

Is Basket plant toxic to Horses?

No confirmed species-specific toxicity data available; related Commelinaceae species are linked to fatal nitrate poisoning in grazing livestock, so exposure is not recommended. (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No specific toxicity data reported; calcium oxalate raphides may cause mild skin, mouth or eye irritation on contact or accidental ingestion.

Cats

Low

No confirmed species-specific toxicity data available; monitor for skin redness, swelling or gastrointestinal upset if exposure occurs.

Dogs

Moderate

Vesico-pustular skin and mucous membrane lesions with itching, redness, swelling and exudation; possible systemic symptoms include acute circulatory collapse, vomiting, abdominal pain and lethargy.

Horses

Low

No confirmed species-specific toxicity data available; related Commelinaceae species are linked to fatal nitrate poisoning in grazing livestock, so exposure is not recommended.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, including pollen-containing stamen tissue that has confirmed needle-shaped calcium oxalate raphides.

Exposure RouteDermal contact with plant sap, ingestion of any plant tissue, contact of sap with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nasal passages)

Toxic CompoundsCalcium oxalate crystals (including needle-shaped raphides); High-carbohydrate glycoproteins (polysaccharides); Nitrogen compounds (nitrates, confirmed in closely related species)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• For dermal exposure: Wash affected skin immediately with mild soap and cool running water for 10-15 minutes to remove all residual sap.
• For ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water, do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a medical or veterinary professional.
• For eye exposure: Flush affected eyes with lukewarm running water for 15 minutes, holding eyelids open to ensure full irrigation of all eye surfaces.

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet develops blistering, persistent swelling or severe itching after contact with the plant.
• Your pet ingests any amount of plant tissue and shows signs of vomiting, lethargy or abdominal pain.
• Your bird has had any potential access to or ingestion of the plant, as toxicity is severe for avian species.

Prevention

• Keep all Callisia fragrans plants out of reach of pets, especially caged birds and grazing livestock.
• Wear disposable gloves when handling the plant to avoid contact with irritating sap, and wash hands thoroughly after handling.
• Promptly remove all fallen leaves or plant debris from areas accessible to pets, children or livestock.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide symptomatic care for contact dermatitis, including prescribed antihistamines or topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching.
• Administer 1% methylene blue solution (9mg/kg slow IV for cattle) and vitamin C for confirmed nitrate-induced methemoglobinemia, with repeat methylene blue doses after 30 minutes if needed.
• Provide supportive care including IV fluid therapy for animals presenting with circulatory collapse or severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCallisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson

AliasesSpironema orthandrum Lindb.、Rectanthera fragrans (Lindl.) O.Deg.、Spironema fragrans Lindl.、Chain plant、Inch plant

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsModerate

HorsesLow

Target Organs

SkinMucous membranesDigestive tractCardiovascular systemRed blood cells

Mechanism of Action

• Needle-shaped calcium oxalate raphides penetrate skin and mucous membranes, causing immediate physical irritation and local inflammatory reactions.

• Plant sap triggers cell-mediated immune responses leading to vesicopustular contact dermatitis in canines.

• Nitrogen compounds (nitrates) may cause methemoglobinemia and reduced oxygen transport, leading to circulatory collapse as seen in related Commelinaceae species.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Birds: Severe (level +++) toxicity, any exposure can lead to rapid fatal reactions.

Cattle: High risk of fatal nitrate poisoning, as seen in closely related Commelinaceae species ingested during grazing.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Spiderwort Tradescantia spp.

Both belong to the Commelinaceae family, share trailing growth habits and fleshy leaves; Tradescantia typically has more brightly colored foliage and flowers.

Dayflower Commelina spp.

Share similar succulent stems and oval leaf morphology, both grow as trailing ground cover; Dayflower produces distinctive 3-petaled blue or purple flowers absent in most Callisia fragrans variants.

Other Callisia species Callisia spp.

Congeneric species have nearly identical growth form and leaf structure, many also contain calcium oxalate raphides with similar toxicity profiles.

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Related Toxic Plants

Boat Lily

Tradescantia spathacea

Moderate toxicity: Contains calcium oxalate raphides that cause skin and gastrointestinal irritation.

Purple Heart

Tradescantia pallida

Moderate toxicity: Triggers contact dermatitis and mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset in pets.

Wandering Jew

Tradescantia fluminensis

High toxicity: Linked to fatal nitrate poisoning in grazing cattle within 2 hours of ingestion.

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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.