Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted 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.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Carrion Flower
Stapelia hirsuta
Also known as Smilax herbacea
Stapelia hirsuta is a unique succulent known for its star-shaped, hairy flowers that emit a faint odor to attract pollinators. It is considered safe for households with pets, though its fibrous stems may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Carrion FlowerHairy Starfish FlowerHerbaceous Carrion FlowerSmilax herbaceaSmooth Carrion FlowerStapelia hirsataStapelia hirsuta
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Succulent
- Care
- Low
Safety status
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.
Cats — concern 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 portion of the plant and exhibits persistent gastrointestinal distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern 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 dog consumes a significant portion of the plant and exhibits persistent gastrointestinal distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Carrion Floweris 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
The Carrion Flower is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Plants of the World Online - Stapelia hirsuta
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical classification and distribution data for Stapelia hirsuta.
Questions about Carrion Flower
Is Carrion Flower (Stapelia hirsuta) toxic to cats?
Carrion Flower is considered non-toxic to cats. According to provenance data verified against the ASPCA registry, it is classified as generally safe for households with cats.
What happens if my cat eats a Carrion Flower plant?
No toxic symptoms are expected. If your cat eats a large amount of the fibrous stems, it may experience mild vomiting or diarrhea from the plant material itself, not from any toxic compound.
Should I call my vet if my cat chewed on a Carrion Flower?
A small nibble is unlikely to cause any harm, but if your cat consumed a significant portion of the plant and shows persistent vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian. Non-toxic does not mean harmless in quantity.
Which part of the Carrion Flower is most likely to upset my cat's stomach?
The fibrous stems are the most likely culprit for GI upset — not because they are poisonous, but because large amounts of tough plant fiber can irritate a cat's digestive tract and trigger vomiting or loose stools.
Is carrion flower (Stapelia hirsuta) toxic to dogs?
Carrion flower is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning no toxic compounds are expected to cause harm if your dog chews or ingests part of the plant.
What happens if my dog eats a carrion flower plant?
No symptoms are expected from a small nibble. If your dog eats a large amount of the fibrous stems or plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk fiber, not any toxic compound.
What should I do if my dog ate my Stapelia hirsuta?
For a small ingestion, no immediate action is needed — monitor your dog for any gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or loose stool. If your dog ate a significant portion of the plant and GI symptoms persist or worsen, contact your veterinarian.
Why does my dog seem interested in the carrion flower's smell — is that dangerous?
Stapelia hirsuta flowers emit a faint carrion-like odor to attract pollinators, which may pique a dog's curiosity. The smell itself poses no danger, and the plant is non-toxic, so sniffing or brief mouthing is not a medical concern.
Same safety verdict
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