Queen's Cup — (c) J Brew, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
Photo by (c) J Brew, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)iNaturalistCC BY-SA
cat safety reference

Is Queen's Cup safe for cats?

Clintonia uniflora

Clintonia uniflora is a perennial wildflower native to western North America, known for its single white, star-shaped flower and glossy, basal leaves. It is generally considered a non-toxic plant, though ingestion of any non-food plant material can cause minor digestive discomfort in pets.

Bluebead LilyBride's BonnetClintonia unifloraQueen's Cup
Light
Partial shade to full shade
Habit
Rhizomatous perennial
Care
Low

Safety status

Cats

Uncertain

Identity or evidence quality is not strong enough for a firm answer.

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

What this means for your cat

Cats are safe around Queen's Cup. ASPCA Animal Poison Control lists Clintonia uniflora — under both "Bride's Bonnet" and "Queencup" entries — as non-toxic to cats. This native woodland wildflower carries no documented toxic principle for felines, so a forest-floor sniff or nibble is not a poisoning concern.

Sources: ASPCA.

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

None specifically documented for this species.

Escalation note

There is no specific veterinary data regarding the toxicity of this plant for cats. While it is not listed as toxic, any large ingestion of plant fiber may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian if you observe unusual behavior.

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

Kew Plants of the World Online

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Accepted scientific classification and distribution data for Clintonia uniflora.

Cats & dogs pagedogs page

Questions about Queen's Cup

Is Queen's Cup (Clintonia uniflora) toxic to cats?

Queen's Cup is classified as uncertain — it is not listed as a toxic plant, but there is no specific veterinary data confirming it is safe for cats either. The honest answer is that its toxicity profile has not been well studied, so treat it with caution and keep cats away from it.

What symptoms should I watch for if my cat ate Queen's Cup?

No symptoms are specifically documented for this species. Based on general guidance for non-food plant ingestion, watch for mild vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, especially if your cat ate a large amount of plant material.

What should I do if my cat chewed on or ate a Queen's Cup plant?

Remove your cat's access to the plant and monitor for any signs of GI upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If symptoms appear or your cat ate a significant amount, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for guidance.

Why is there so little information about Queen's Cup and cat safety?

Queen's Cup (Clintonia uniflora) is a native wildflower that rarely appears in indoor or cultivated settings, so it has not been formally evaluated for pet toxicity by organizations like the ASPCA. Without documented cases or studies, its safety for cats remains uncertain rather than confirmed non-toxic.

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