Pet safety
Is Rocky Mountain Bee Planttoxic to cats & dogs?
Cleome serrulata
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Cleome serrulata
Is rocky mountain bee plant safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Cleome serrulata is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The foliage has a strong, musky odour and contains glucosinolates that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity by pets or livestock; keep curious animals away as a precaution.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats rocky mountain bee plant?
Cleome serrulata is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The foliage has a strong, musky odour and contains glucosinolates that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity by pets or livestock; keep curious animals away as a precaution. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to rocky mountain bee plant, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate rocky mountain bee plant
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move rocky mountain bee plant out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of rocky mountain bee plant to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to rocky mountain bee plant
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant and pets — frequently asked questions
Is rocky mountain bee plant toxic to cats?
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant (Cleome serrulata) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Cleome serrulata is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The foliage has a strong, musky odour and contains glucosinolates that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity by pets or livestock; keep curious animals away as a precaution. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is rocky mountain bee plant toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Rocky Mountain Bee Plant (Cleome serrulata) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like rocky mountain bee plant is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats rocky mountain bee plant?
Cleome serrulata is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The foliage has a strong, musky odour and contains glucosinolates that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity by pets or livestock; keep curious animals away as a precaution. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to rocky mountain bee plant, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate rocky mountain bee plant?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of rocky mountain bee plant to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to rocky mountain bee plant?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full rocky mountain bee plant care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete rocky mountain bee plant care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.