Especially as new parents or pet owners, the toxicity of plants is an important question for hobby gardeners. If in doubt, it is better to forego the garden-beautifying growth. We will clarify below whether this has to be the case with bougainvillea.
Are bougainvillea plants poisonous?
Bougainvillea plants are not poisonous to humans and animals. They contain no toxins in their leaves, flowers, roots or seeds. However, small children and sensitive people should pay attention to the thorns and long tendrils of the plant, as these pose a risk of injury.
Is the Bougainvillea flower wonder child and pet friendly?
Especially hobby gardeners with a penchant for colorful seas of flowers are likely to fall prey to bougainvillea sooner or later - if curious, inexperienced roommates are part of the household, one naturally wonders whether it could be dangerous to them. After all, you never really know when it comes to a thorny climbing plant that comes from the South American subtropics, and some other plants with bewitchingly beautiful flowers are also known to belie their treacherous toxicity.
All clear regarding toxicity
But to say it straight away: No, bougainvilleas are not poisonous, neither for humans nor for animals. None of its plant parts, neither the leaves nor the flowers, the roots nor the seeds, contain any toxins. So you don't need to worry about young dogs or small children who are constantly looking to explore interesting objects with their mouths. The climbing beauty is not completely harmless for human and animal juniors as well as sensitive adults.
- leaves
- Flowers
- Root
- Seeds
so there is no risk of poisoning.
Other nasties of bougainvillea
After all, the bougainvillea is literally scratchy: And these are its thorns. Of course, they can pose a risk of injury, especially for small children. Especially in connection with the long tendrils, in which it can easily get tangled. There may also be a certain risk of strangulation. Even people with sensitive skin, such as those with a tendency to neurodermatitis, can easily become irritated by scratches from the thorns. But it's not dangerous.
Be careful beforehand
- the thorns and
- the long tendrils
