Canterbury-bell Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,374 found this helpful

Gloxinia perennis

Canterbury-bell is classified as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per official plant toxicology records.

No severe adverse reactions are linked to accidental ingestion of small quantities of this plant by common domestic or livestock animals.

While non-toxic, excessive ingestion may still cause mild, non-specific gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals or pets.

FAQ

Is Canterbury-bell toxic to Humans?

No expected toxic symptoms; mild temporary stomach discomfort may occur in sensitive people if large amounts are ingested. (Non-toxic)

Is Canterbury-bell toxic to Cats?

No toxic symptoms expected; rare mild short-term soft stool or vomiting may occur after over-ingestion of very large quantities. (Non-toxic)

Is Canterbury-bell toxic to Dogs?

No toxic symptoms expected; rare mild short-term soft stool or vomiting may occur after over-ingestion of very large quantities. (Non-toxic)

Is Canterbury-bell toxic to Horses?

No toxic symptoms expected; rare mild abdominal discomfort may occur after over-ingestion of very large quantities. (Non-toxic)

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

Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No expected toxic symptoms; mild temporary stomach discomfort may occur in sensitive people if large amounts are ingested.

Cats

Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms expected; rare mild short-term soft stool or vomiting may occur after over-ingestion of very large quantities.

Dogs

Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms expected; rare mild short-term soft stool or vomiting may occur after over-ingestion of very large quantities.

Horses

Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms expected; rare mild abdominal discomfort may occur after over-ingestion of very large quantities.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo parts of the plant are known to be toxic; all aerial and root components are non-hazardous in typical exposure scenarios.

Exposure RouteCommon exposure routes include accidental ingestion and skin contact; no toxic effects are reported via any exposure route.

Toxic CompoundsNo known toxic secondary metabolites have been identified in this species

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water to remove remaining plant debris if the plant was ingested.
• Wipe off any plant residue from skin to avoid potential minor non-toxic irritation.
• Monitor for 2 to 4 hours for mild non-specific discomfort such as bloating or nausea post-exposure.

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet displays persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy lasting more than 2 hours after ingesting large amounts of the plant.
• If your horse shows signs of severe abdominal discomfort or abnormal behavior after consuming significant quantities of the plant.

Prevention

• No special toxicology-related prevention is required for this non-toxic species, though limiting over-ingestion by curious pets is advised.
• Label all plants in your home and garden to avoid confusion with visually similar toxic species.
• Keep young children from ingesting any house or garden plants as a general household safety rule.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide only supportive care: offer fresh water and rest to individuals showing mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Administer anti-emetics only under professional guidance if vomiting is persistent.
• No targeted antidote is required as no toxic effects are associated with exposure to this plant.

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameGloxinia perennis

AliasesHardy gloxinia、Perennial gloxinia

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are known to be targeted by toxic compounds from this plant

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism is recorded, as the species contains no identified harmful metabolites that affect mammalian physiology

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No documented toxic effects, though over-consumption may lead to mild digestive disturbances

Pet birds: No reported toxic reactions to small ingestions, monitor for unusual behavior if large amounts are consumed

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No confirmed toxic effects reported, limit access to large amounts to avoid digestive upset

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Canterbury bells Campanula medium

Often confused due to sharing the common name 'Canterbury-bell'; Campanula medium belongs to the Campanulaceae family, has broader bell flowers, and is mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Purple foxglove Digitalis purpurea

Visually similar due to upright spikes of purple bell-shaped flowers; foxglove contains toxic cardiac glycosides, and can be distinguished by its fuzzy basal rosette of leaves.

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Hawaiian cyrtandra

Cyrtandra platyphylla

Low toxicity, may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested

Purple foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Severe toxicity, contains cardiac glycosides that can trigger fatal heart rhythm abnormalities

Woolly foxglove

Digitalis lanata

High toxicity, even small ingested amounts can cause severe cardiac and neurological symptoms

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