Is Dwarf Poinciana Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Caesalpinia pulcherrima
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Unidentified GI irritants, concentrated in the seed pods |
| 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
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
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What to do
Contact a vet, especially if seed pods were eaten. Same species and risk profile as Peacock Flower, sold under both names.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Dwarf Poinciana is unidentified gi irritants, concentrated in the seed pods.
Part-specific risk: Seed pods are more concentrated in toxins than flowers.
What makes this plant different
Dwarf Poinciana's showy orange-and-red flowers make it a popular tropical ornamental, but its seed pods carry a meaningfully higher concentration of GI-irritating compounds than the flowers most people notice first.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Caesalpinia pulcherrima
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Also known as
- Dwarf Poinciana, Barbados Pride, Peacock Flower
- Typically found
- outdoor
Pet-safe alternatives
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Related plants
Loco Weed
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Peacock Flower
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Rosary Pea
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Sweet Pea
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Wisteria
Wisteria spp.
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control