Bloodleaf — (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo by (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY
Pet safety reference

Bloodleaf

Iresine herbstii

Bloodleaf is a vibrant ornamental plant known for its striking deep red or purple foliage. While it is considered non-toxic, ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause mild digestive discomfort.

Beefsteak PlantBloodleafChicken GizzardIresine herbstii
Light
Bright indirect light
Habit
Upright, bushy
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 leaves.

Escalation note

This plant is considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of 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 leaves.

Escalation note

This plant is considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.

Bring it home

Bloodleafis 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 and Non-Toxic Plants List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

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

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Iresine herbstii

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

A tender perennial often grown as an annual for its colorful foliage, thriving in bright light.

cats safety pagedogs safety page

Questions about Bloodleaf

Is bloodleaf toxic to cats?

Bloodleaf (Iresine herbstii) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it does not contain toxic principles that cause poisoning, though that does not mean it is beneficial for cats to eat.

What happens if my cat eats bloodleaf?

Most cats will have no reaction at all. If your cat eats a large amount of bloodleaf, the fibrous leaves may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to digestive irritation rather than any toxic effect.

How much bloodleaf would make a cat sick?

Small nibbles are very unlikely to cause any problem. GI upset is only expected after consumption of a significant quantity of plant material, and even then symptoms would be mild and short-lived.

Should I call my vet if my cat ate bloodleaf?

A brief nibble does not require a vet call. If your cat consumed a large amount and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress that do not resolve within a few hours, contact your veterinarian.

Is bloodleaf toxic to dogs?

Bloodleaf (Iresine herbstii) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning exposure is not expected to cause poisoning.

What happens if my dog eats bloodleaf?

Most dogs that eat a small amount of bloodleaf will have no reaction at all. Consuming a large quantity of the fibrous leaves may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the bulk plant material, not a toxic compound.

How much bloodleaf would make a dog sick?

There is no documented toxic dose because bloodleaf is non-toxic. Any GI upset that occurs is related to the volume of fibrous plant material ingested, so a dog that nibbles a leaf or two is very unlikely to show any symptoms.

My dog ate a big chunk of bloodleaf — should I call the vet?

Because bloodleaf is non-toxic, a trip to the vet is usually unnecessary for a small ingestion. If your dog ate a significant amount and is showing persistent vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian to rule out GI irritation from the fibrous leaves.

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