Common Waxflower Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,423 found this helpful

All parts of Hoya australis are toxic, containing pregnane glycosides, an unidentified neurotoxin, and steroid saponins

Only mild gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported in exposed cats and dogs, while the plant can cause fatal toxicity in cattle, sheep, and pet birds

The plant is confirmed non-toxic to turtles and Yemen chameleons per current clinical data

FAQ

Is Common Waxflower toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity cases have been reported in available clinical data (Low)

Is Common Waxflower toxic to Cats?

Only mild gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea) reported in exposed cats to date (Low)

Is Common Waxflower toxic to Dogs?

Only mild gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea) reported in exposed dogs to date (Low)

Is Common Waxflower toxic to Horses?

No confirmed equine toxicity cases have been documented in available data (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No confirmed human toxicity cases have been reported in available clinical data

Cats

Low

Only mild gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea) reported in exposed cats to date

Dogs

Low

Only mild gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea) reported in exposed dogs to date

Horses

Low

No confirmed equine toxicity cases have been documented in available data

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant (all parts are toxic)

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion; direct contact with sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsPregnane; Pregnane glycosides; Unidentified neurotoxin; Steroid saponins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingested, do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a veterinarian or medical professional
• Rinse the oral cavity thoroughly with clean, cool water to remove any remaining plant material
• Remove all remaining plant parts from the area to prevent further exposure to humans or animals

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your cat/dog shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after ingesting the plant
• Livestock or pet birds have access to the plant and exhibit abnormal neurological symptoms (tremors, seizures, unsteadiness)
• Any exposed animal experiences collapse, seizures, or difficulty breathing after exposure

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of pet birds, cattle, sheep, and curious household pets
• Wear disposable gloves when pruning or handling the plant to avoid potential sap irritation
• Clearly label the plant to prevent accidental ingestion by humans or unsuspecting pet owners

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer decontamination measures such as activated charcoal as clinically appropriate
• Provide symptomatic supportive care for gastrointestinal distress or neurological symptoms
• Monitor cardiac function in cases of severe exposure, as glycoside compounds may affect heart muscle

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameHoya australis R.Br. ex J.Traill

AliasesWaxvine、Gewöhnliche Wachsblume

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractHeartNervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Pregnane glycosides have high affinity for cardiac glycoside receptors on heart muscle, producing effects similar to cardiac glycosides

• Unidentified neurotoxin present in the plant causes neurological damage in sensitive species

• Steroid saponins contribute to gastrointestinal irritation after ingestion

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Severe, potentially fatal toxicity; symptoms include muscle tremors, ataxia, collapse, and clonic-tonic seizures

Sheep: Severe, potentially fatal toxicity; symptoms include muscle tremors, ataxia, collapse, and clonic-tonic seizures

Pet birds (including Budgerigars): Severe, potentially fatal toxicity; symptoms include torticollis, wide-legged sitting, falling from perches, unsteadiness, spread wings, difficulty flying, whole-body tremors, and dark green feces

Turtles: Confirmed non-toxic per available clinical data

Yemen Chameleon: Confirmed non-toxic per available clinical data

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Hoya carnosa varieties Hoya carnosa spp.

Visually similar with characteristic waxy foliage and flowers; most Hoya carnosa varieties have similar toxicity profiles

Milkweed Asclepias sp.

Related Apocynaceae family species with similar growth habits; all Asclepias species are toxic to most animal species

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Related Toxic Plants

Oleander

Nerium oleander

Severe, potentially fatal toxicity even in small ingestion doses

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

High toxicity, dangerous to livestock, pets, and pollinators in large doses

Madagascar Periwinkle

Catharanthus roseus

Moderate to High toxicity, contains toxic alkaloids that affect circulatory and nervous systems

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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.