Pincushion Flower — (c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony Rebelo
Photo by (c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony RebeloiNaturalistCC BY-SA
Pet safety reference

Pincushion Flower

Leucospermum incisum

The Pincushion Flower is a striking evergreen shrub known for its unique, pin-like blooms. It is generally considered safe for pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Leucospermum incisumPincushion Flower
Light
Full sun
Habit
Shrub
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 expected from normal interaction; large ingestions of fibrous material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.

Escalation note

Considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a large amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

None expected from normal interaction; large ingestions of fibrous material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.

Escalation note

Considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a large amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Bring it home

Pincushion Floweris generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.

Shop on Amazon

Some links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Pincushion Flower (Leucospermum incisum) is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

Kew Plants of the World Online

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Accepted botanical classification for Leucospermum incisum.

cats safety pagedogs safety page

Questions about Pincushion Flower

Is Pincushion Flower (Leucospermum incisum) toxic to cats?

Pincushion Flower is considered non-toxic to cats. It is generally safe, meaning normal contact or minor nibbling is not expected to cause harm.

What happens if my cat eats a Pincushion Flower?

Most cats will have no reaction, but the plant's fibrous material can cause mild vomiting or diarrhea if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms should be minor and short-lived.

Should I call the vet if my cat chewed on a Pincushion Flower?

A small nibble is unlikely to need veterinary attention. If your cat ate a significant amount and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Does the fibrous texture of Pincushion Flower pose any risk to cats?

The plant is non-toxic, but its coarse, fibrous stems and leaves can irritate the digestive tract if consumed in bulk, potentially causing mild GI upset. Non-toxic does not mean safe to eat freely — keep large ingestions from occurring as a general precaution.

Is Pincushion Flower (Leucospermum incisum) toxic to dogs?

No, Pincushion Flower is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is generally safe, meaning normal contact or minor nibbling is not expected to cause harm.

What happens if a dog eats Pincushion Flower?

Symptoms are not expected from minor ingestion, but the plant's fibrous material can cause mild vomiting or diarrhea if a dog eats a large amount. Most dogs will have no reaction at all.

What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of Pincushion Flower?

Monitor your dog for signs of gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If symptoms develop or your dog seems distressed after eating a significant quantity, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Does non-toxic mean Pincushion Flower is safe for dogs to eat freely?

Non-toxic means the plant is not poisonous, but that does not make it suitable for dogs to eat in quantity. Large ingestions of fibrous plant material can still cause GI upset, so it is best to discourage your dog from eating it.

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Same growing conditions

Plants for the same room