Leatherflower — (c) Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb
Photo by (c) Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gianni Del Bufalo bygdbiNaturalistCC BY
Pet safety reference

Leatherflower

Clematis sp.

Clematis is a genus of climbing vines known for their showy, star-shaped flowers. While popular in gardens, all parts of the plant contain compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

ClematisClematis sp.LeatherflowerVirgin's Bower
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Habit
Climbing vine
Care
Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

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.

Catsconcern notes

Common signs

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation.

Escalation note

Ingestion typically causes gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential skin irritation upon contact.

Escalation note

The plant contains protoanemonin, which can irritate the mouth and digestive tract. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Clematis is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of protoanemonin.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Provides botanical descriptions and horticultural information for the Clematis genus.

cats safety pageMy cat ate Leatherflowerdogs safety pageMy dog ate Leatherflower

Questions about Leatherflower

Is leatherflower (clematis) toxic to cats?

Yes, leatherflower is potentially toxic to cats. All parts of the clematis plant contain irritating compounds that can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation if ingested.

What symptoms will my cat show after eating clematis?

Watch for excessive drooling or salivation, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. Mild oral irritation is the most common presentation, and severity is generally proportional to how much of the plant was chewed.

What should I do if my cat ate a clematis plant?

Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and offer fresh water to help rinse it out. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian or poison control. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if drooling or vomiting persists more than a few hours, your cat refuses to eat or drink, or you suspect more than a tiny taste was swallowed.

How quickly do clematis symptoms appear in cats, and will my cat recover?

Onset and recovery times are not well documented specifically for clematis, but based on similar GI irritants, signs typically begin within a few hours of ingestion and resolve within 24 hours with supportive care.

Is leatherflower (clematis) toxic to dogs?

Yes, leatherflower is potentially toxic to dogs. All parts of the clematis plant contain protoanemonin, a compound that irritates the mouth and digestive tract when ingested.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats clematis?

Signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible skin irritation from contact with the plant. Some dogs will paw at their mouth or drink more water than usual to chase off the bitter taste.

What should I do if my dog ate a leatherflower vine?

Remove the plant and rinse your dog's mouth with water to clear any residue. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison control directs you to. Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if vomiting or diarrhea continues beyond 12 hours, your dog seems lethargic or refuses food, or a large amount was eaten.

How quickly do clematis symptoms appear in dogs, and how long do they last?

Onset and recovery times are not well documented specifically for clematis, but based on similar GI irritants, signs typically begin within a few hours of ingestion and resolve within 24 hours with supportive care.

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