Flame of the Woods — (c) Zinogre, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Zinogre
Photo by (c) Zinogre, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by ZinogreiNaturalistCC BY-SA
cat safety reference

Is Flame of the Woods safe for cats?

Ixora coccinea

Flame of the Woods is a popular tropical shrub known for its vibrant, dense clusters of star-shaped flowers. It is considered safe for households with pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Flame of the WoodsIxoraIxora coccineaJungle Geranium
Light
Bright indirect light to full sun
Habit
Shrub
Care
Moderate

Safety status

Cats

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.

What this means for your cat

Cats are in the clear with Flame of the Woods — ASPCA lists Ixora coccinea as non-toxic to cats, with no toxic principle on file. The bright clusters of tubular blooms can attract a curious nibble, but no poisoning is expected from the plant itself.

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 expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.

Escalation note

Generally considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.

Bring it home

Flame of the Woodsis 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

Flame of the Woods is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Ixora coccinea is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that thrives in tropical climates and is widely used as an ornamental.

Cats & dogs pagedogs page

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