Cape Marigold Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,028 found this helpful

Dimorphotheca pluvialis

Dimorphotheca pluvialis is classified as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per verified toxicology data

No severe adverse effects are linked to accidental ingestion of small quantities of this plant

Rare mild irritation may occur in sensitive humans or animals following skin contact or large ingestion

FAQ

Is Cape Marigold toxic to Humans?

No known toxic symptoms; mild skin rash or irritation may occur in rare individuals with Compositae allergies (Non-toxic)

Is Cape Marigold toxic to Cats?

No toxic symptoms expected from normal exposure; mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset may occur with very large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Cape Marigold toxic to Dogs?

No toxic symptoms expected from normal exposure; mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset may occur with very large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Cape Marigold toxic to Horses?

No toxic symptoms expected from normal exposure; mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset may occur with very large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms; mild skin rash or irritation may occur in rare individuals with Compositae allergies

Cats

Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms expected from normal exposure; mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset may occur with very large ingestion

Dogs

Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms expected from normal exposure; mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset may occur with very large ingestion

Horses

Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms expected from normal exposure; mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset may occur with very large ingestion

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo parts of this plant are known to contain toxic compounds that cause poisoning

Exposure RouteIngestion, direct skin contact (only rare mild irritation risk for sensitive groups)

Toxic CompoundsNo known toxic phytochemicals associated with acute or chronic poisoning risk

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water if plant material was ingested
• Wash affected skin with mild soap and cool water if contact irritation develops
• Monitor for unusual symptoms, especially in sensitive individuals or small pets

Contact Vet Immediately

• Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy in pets lasting longer than 24 hours post exposure
• Signs of allergic reaction (hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing) in pets or humans
• Ingestion of extremely large quantities of the plant by small breed pets or young foals

Prevention

• Keep plant trimmings away from very young pets that may chew large quantities indiscriminately
• Wear gardening gloves when handling the plant if you have known allergies to Compositae family plants
• Avoid placing potted Cape Marigold in areas accessible to pets with pica or unusual chewing habits

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care (fluids, bland diet) for mild gastrointestinal upset if needed
• Antihistamines for confirmed allergic reactions per medical or veterinary guidance
• No specific antidote is required as no severe toxic effects are documented for this species

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameDimorphotheca pluvialis

AliasesAfrican Daisy

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are targeted by toxic compounds from Dimorphotheca pluvialis

Mechanism of Action

• No identified toxic mechanism associated with exposure to this plant species

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: No confirmed toxic risk; cattle typically avoid consumption due to the plant's mild bitter taste

Sheep: No toxic effects reported from grazing on small amounts of Cape Marigold in pasture settings

Domestic Rabbits: No toxic symptoms expected from small ingestion; monitor for soft stools if large quantities are consumed

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis

Visually similar due to bright yellow/orange daisy-like blooms; key difference: Pot Marigold has thicker, strongly aromatic foliage, and its petals are widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes

Cape Daisy Osteospermum ecklonis

Often also marketed as African Daisy, leading to naming confusion; key difference: Osteospermum typically has darker center disks and broader, more rounded petals than Cape Marigold

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Common Ragwort

Jacobaea vulgaris

Severe toxicity, causes irreversible liver damage in all mammals including humans and livestock

Florist's Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum × morifolium

Low to moderate toxicity, causes contact dermatitis and mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and humans

Common Tansy

Tanacetum vulgare

Moderate toxicity, causes seizures, liver damage, and abortion in livestock if consumed in large quantities

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

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.

View Full Plant Wiki