Clematis — (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

Clematis

Clematis spp.

Clematis is a genus of popular flowering vines known for their showy blooms and climbing habit. While beautiful in the garden, they contain irritant compounds that can cause discomfort if ingested by pets.

Clematis spp.Leather flowerVase vineVirgin'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. If your cat has consumed any part of this plant, please contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential irritation of the mouth or throat.

Escalation note

While usually mild, ingestion can lead to digestive upset. Always consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has ingested this plant.

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

Clematis is a large genus of mostly woody vines that are widely cultivated for their ornamental flowers.

cats safety pageMy cat ate Clematisdogs safety pageMy dog ate Clematis

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