Is Brunfelsia Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Brunfelsia species
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Brunfelsamidine and related alkaloids |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Disorientation
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
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What to do
Treat as an emergency — this ornamental shrub causes strychnine-like neurological signs disproportionate to its mild-looking flowers, particularly from the seeds and roots.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Brunfelsia is brunfelsamidine and related alkaloids.
What makes this plant different
Brunfelsia's romantic common names (Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow, referring to its flowers changing color over three days) mask a genuinely dangerous strychnine-like alkaloid — this is one of the more severe ornamental shrub toxicities that doesn't get the attention its danger warrants.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Brunfelsia species
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Also known as
- Brunfelsia, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, Kiss-Me-Quick, Lady-of-the-Night, Fransiscan Rain Tree
- Typically found
- outdoor
Pet-safe alternatives
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Related plants
Black Nightshade
Solanum nigrum
Climbing Nightshade
Solanum dulcamara
Deadly Nightshade
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Nicotiana glauca
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control