Black-eyed Susan vine Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,180 found this helpful

No documented cases or published references of toxicity for Thunbergia alata exist in available botanical research

The species is not classified as toxic to humans, cats, dogs, or horses per current recorded data

Despite low risk, intentional feeding of this plant to companion animals or livestock is not advised

FAQ

Is Black-eyed Susan vine toxic to Humans?

No documented symptoms of poisoning from ingestion or contact reported to date (Non-toxic)

Is Black-eyed Susan vine toxic to Cats?

No documented symptoms of poisoning from ingestion or contact reported to date (Non-toxic)

Is Black-eyed Susan vine toxic to Dogs?

No documented symptoms of poisoning from ingestion or contact reported to date (Non-toxic)

Is Black-eyed Susan vine toxic to Horses?

No documented symptoms of poisoning from ingestion or contact reported to date (Non-toxic)

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

Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No documented symptoms of poisoning from ingestion or contact reported to date

Cats

Non-toxic

No documented symptoms of poisoning from ingestion or contact reported to date

Dogs

Non-toxic

No documented symptoms of poisoning from ingestion or contact reported to date

Horses

Non-toxic

No documented symptoms of poisoning from ingestion or contact reported to date

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic plant parts identified; the species is presumed non-toxic, though not suitable for use as animal feed per 1998 botanical reference data

Exposure RouteIngestion, skin contact; no adverse reactions reported for either exposure route to date

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic bioactive compounds linked to this species have been documented in published research

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse the mouth of the exposed human or animal with clean cool water if the plant was ingested
• Monitor for any unusual signs of discomfort, though adverse reactions are extremely unlikely
• Retain any remaining plant material for formal identification if symptoms develop

Contact Vet Immediately

• If unexpected symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation appear after exposure
• If very large quantities of the plant are consumed by small pets, foals, or juvenile animals as a precaution

Prevention

• Do not intentionally feed this plant to any companion animals or livestock
• Keep potted specimens out of reach of young pets that excessively chew household plants as a general safety measure

Treatment & Prognosis

• Only supportive care is required if rare mild adverse reactions occur; no specific antidote exists or is needed

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameThunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims

AliasesSchwarzäugige Susanne、Suzanne aux yeux noirs、Susanna dagli occhi neri

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organ systems are known to be negatively impacted by exposure to this plant

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism of action has been documented for this plant species

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No toxicity reported, but feeding is not recommended as a precautionary measure

Pet and wild birds: No documented adverse effects from exposure or ingestion reported to date

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Thunbergia species Thunbergia spp.

Other members of the Thunbergia genus may have different, potentially higher toxicity profiles; confirm exact species identification before assessing exposure risk

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Spiny bear's breeches

Acanthus spinosus

Low (mild gastrointestinal irritant if ingested)

Malabar nut

Justicia adhatoda

Low (mild toxicity if consumed in large quantities)

Crested Philippine violet

Barleria cristata

Low (mild adverse effects reported from ingestion)

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. 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.