Gerbera Daisy — (c) Wynand Uys, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Wynand Uys
Photo by (c) Wynand Uys, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Wynand UysiNaturalistCC BY
Pet safety reference

Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera jamesonii

The African Daisy is a popular flowering plant known for its vibrant, daisy-like blooms. While it is considered non-toxic to pets, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive upset.

Barberton DaisyGerbera DaisyGerbera jamesoniiTransvaal Daisy
Light
Bright indirect light
Habit
Clumping rosette
Care
Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Generally safe

Consulted 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.

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 typically expected; however, consumption of large quantities may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the fibrous nature of the plant.

Escalation note

Generally considered safe. If your cat consumes a significant amount and displays persistent gastrointestinal distress, contact your veterinarian.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

None typically expected; however, consumption of large quantities may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the fibrous nature of the plant.

Escalation note

Generally considered safe. If your dog consumes a significant amount and displays persistent gastrointestinal distress, contact your veterinarian.

Bring it home

Gerbera Daisyis 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

Open source

Gerbera daisy is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Gerbera jamesonii is a tender perennial often grown as an annual, valued for its long-lasting cut flowers.

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Questions about Gerbera Daisy

Is Gerbera Daisy toxic to cats?

Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is generally safe, though that does not mean it is beneficial for cats to eat.

What happens if my cat eats a Gerbera Daisy?

No symptoms are typically expected from small amounts. If your cat eats a large quantity of the fibrous plant material, it may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the plant's fibrous nature rather than any toxic compound.

How much Gerbera Daisy would cause a problem for my cat?

Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any reaction. Problems are only expected if a significant amount is consumed, and even then the concern is GI upset from the fiber — not poisoning. If your cat eats a large amount and shows persistent vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian.

Could my cat be having a reaction to a Gerbera Daisy — or is it something else?

Gerbera Daisy is not a known irritant, so if your cat is showing more than mild, brief GI upset after nibbling it, consider whether another plant or substance may be involved. Persistent or severe symptoms warrant a vet call regardless of the plant eaten.

Is Gerbera Daisy toxic to dogs?

Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is generally safe if your dog nibbles on the plant, though non-toxic does not mean it is beneficial for them to eat.

What happens if a dog eats a Gerbera Daisy?

Most dogs will have no reaction at all. Consumption of large quantities may occasionally cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the fibrous nature of the plant material.

How much Gerbera Daisy would make a dog sick?

Small amounts are unlikely to cause any symptoms. Only large quantities of the fibrous plant material are associated with mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Should I call my vet if my dog ate Gerbera Daisy?

A small amount does not warrant an emergency call. If your dog consumed a significant quantity and shows persistent vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian.

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