The toxicity of plants is an important question for hobby gardeners, especially as new parents or pet owners. In case of doubt, you tend to do without garden beautifying growth. In the following, we will clarify whether this has to be the case with bougainvillea.

Bougainvillea poses no danger to children

Is the flower wonder bougainvillea child and pet friendly?

Hobby gardeners in particular with a preference for colorful seas of flowers will sooner or later fall prey to bougainvillea - if curious, inexperienced roommates are part of the household, one naturally wonders whether it could pose a threat to them. After all, you never know for sure when it comes to a thorny climbing plant from the South American subtropics… In addition, many other plants with beguilingly beautiful flowers are also known to hide their insidious poisonousness.

All-clear on 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 or the seeds contain any toxins. So you don't have to worry about young dogs or small children who are always looking to explore interesting objects with their mouths. The rank beauty is not completely harmless for human and animal juniors as well as sensitive adults.

  • leaves
  • blossoms
  • root
  • seed

therefore do not pose a risk of poisoning.

Other bougainvillea nasties

After all, the bougainvillea is literally scratchy: And those 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. If necessary, a certain risk of strangulation must also be expected here. Even people with sensitive skin, such as those with a tendency to develop neurodermatitis, can easily get irritation from scratches from the thorns. But that's not dangerous.

So caution is advised

  • the thorns and
  • the long tendrils

Category:

Indoor plants