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
Spider Flower
Cleome hassleriana
Spider Flower is a popular annual garden plant known for its unique, spidery blooms that add height and texture to flower beds. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Cleome hasserlanaCleome hasslerianaGrandfather's WhiskersSpider Plant
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Upright
- 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 excessive ingestion of fibrous stems or leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your pet consumes a large quantity and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected, though excessive ingestion of fibrous stems or leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your pet consumes a large quantity and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Bring it home
Spider Floweris generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
Shop on AmazonSome links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Spider Flower is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Cleome hassleriana is a hardy annual that thrives in full sun and is widely used in pollinator gardens.
Questions about Spider Flower
Is Spider Flower toxic to cats?
Spider Flower (Cleome hassleriana) 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 chews on or nibbles the plant.
What happens if my cat eats Spider Flower?
No symptoms are expected from minor contact or nibbling. If your cat consumes a large quantity of the fibrous stems or leaves, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the plant material itself, not any toxic compound.
My cat ate a lot of Spider Flower — should I be worried?
A small amount is unlikely to cause any problem. If your cat ate a large quantity and is showing signs of digestive distress such as repeated vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Does 'non-toxic' mean Spider Flower is safe for my cat to eat freely?
Non-toxic means Spider Flower is not expected to poison your cat, but that does not make it a safe food. Large ingestions of any fibrous plant material can cause GI upset, so it is still best to discourage your cat from eating it.
Is Spider Flower toxic to dogs?
Spider Flower (Cleome hassleriana) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning if your dog chews on or ingests part of the plant.
What happens if a dog eats Spider Flower?
No toxic symptoms are expected from Spider Flower ingestion. However, if your dog eats a large quantity of the fibrous stems or leaves, mild vomiting or diarrhea may occur due to the bulk of plant material rather than any toxic compound.
What should I do if my dog ate a lot of Spider Flower?
Monitor your dog for digestive upset such as vomiting or diarrhea, which can occur if a large amount of fibrous plant material was consumed. If your dog shows signs of distress or symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Does the amount of Spider Flower a dog eats matter?
Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any issue at all. The main concern with larger ingestions is mechanical GI irritation from the fibrous stems and leaves — not a toxic principle — so the risk scales with quantity consumed rather than being dangerous at any dose.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Basil is a popular culinary herb known for its aromatic leaves and ease of growth in sunny indoor or outdoor environments. It is considered safe for pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
The Money Tree is a popular indoor plant known for its braided trunk and palm-like leaves, often associated with good luck and prosperity in home decor.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Canna Lily
Canna generalis
Canna Lily is a popular tropical perennial known for its vibrant, large flowers and bold foliage. It is considered safe for pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Carrot
Daucus carota var. sativa
The carrot is a popular root vegetable often grown in home gardens, known for its edible taproot and feathery foliage. It is considered safe for pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.