Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Cornflower
Centaurea cyanus
Bachelor's Button is a popular annual flowering plant known for its vibrant blue blooms and ease of cultivation. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Bachelor's ButtonsBluebottleCentaurea cyanusCornflower
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Upright annual
- Care
- Low
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None expected, though large ingestions may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to fiber content.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your cat consumes a large quantity and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected, though large ingestions may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to fiber content.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your dog consumes a large quantity and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Cornfloweris generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Centaurea cyanus is an annual herb in the Asteraceae family, commonly grown for its ornamental flowers.
Questions about Cornflower
Is cornflower toxic to cats?
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm if your cat nibbles on it.
What happens if my cat eats cornflower?
Most cats will show no symptoms at all. If your cat eats a large amount, the fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea, but serious effects are not expected.
How much cornflower is too much for a cat?
There is no documented toxic threshold for cornflower in cats. The concern with large ingestions is purely digestive — excess fiber can upset the stomach — rather than any toxic compound in the plant.
Should I call my vet if my cat ate cornflower?
A small nibble does not warrant an emergency call. If your cat ate a large quantity and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress that do not resolve within a few hours, contact your veterinarian.
Is cornflower (Bachelor's Button) toxic to dogs?
No, cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is generally safe, meaning you don't need to panic if your dog nibbles on one, but non-toxic doesn't mean harmless in large quantities.
What happens if my dog eats cornflowers?
Most dogs will have no reaction at all. If your dog eats a large amount of the plant material, the fiber content may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea, which should resolve on its own.
How much cornflower is dangerous for a dog?
No toxic dose exists for cornflower — the plant is classified as generally safe for dogs. The only concern is GI upset from consuming a large quantity of fibrous plant matter, not any toxic compound within the plant itself.
Should I call my vet if my dog ate a cornflower?
A small to moderate amount of cornflower does not require an emergency call. If your dog eats a large quantity and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress that don't resolve within a few hours, contact your veterinarian.
Often compared with
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Cape Marigold
Dimorphotheca pluvialis
Cape Marigold is a cheerful, daisy-like annual known for its vibrant blooms that open in sunlight. It is considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
China Aster
Callistephus chinensis
China Aster is a popular annual flowering plant known for its daisy-like blooms and vibrant colors. It is considered non-toxic to household pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Lesser Snapdragon
Antirrhinum orontium
The Lesser Snapdragon is a charming, slender annual wildflower often found in gardens and fields. It is considered safe for pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
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Borage
Borago officinalis
Borage is a flowering herb known for its star-shaped blue flowers and hairy foliage. While often used in culinary applications for humans, it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be harmful to pets if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis spp.
Coreopsis is a popular genus of flowering plants in the aster family, widely grown for their cheerful, daisy-like blooms. They are generally considered safe for household pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Hoary Alyssum
Berteroa incana
Hoary Alyssum is a hardy, herbaceous plant often found in fields and roadsides, known for its small white flowers. It is generally considered safe for pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Uncertain for cats & dogs.
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Achillea millefolium is a hardy perennial herb known for its feathery, fern-like foliage and clusters of small, daisy-like flowers. While popular in gardens, it contains compounds that can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.