Pet safety
Is Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Butterfly'toxic to cats & dogs?
Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Butterfly'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Butterfly'
Is delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly' safe for cats and dogs?
No — delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly' is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses (Delphinium species). The toxic principle is diterpene alkaloids; signs include salivation, colic, constipation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness and convulsions, with possible cardiac failure or fatal respiratory paralysis in large ingestions. Seeds and young growth are most potent.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly'?
ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses (Delphinium species). The toxic principle is diterpene alkaloids; signs include salivation, colic, constipation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness and convulsions, with possible cardiac failure or fatal respiratory paralysis in large ingestions. Seeds and young growth are most potent. 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 delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly' 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 delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly' 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 delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly'
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)
Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Butterfly' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly' toxic to cats?
Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Butterfly' (Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Butterfly') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses (Delphinium species). The toxic principle is diterpene alkaloids; signs include salivation, colic, constipation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness and convulsions, with possible cardiac failure or fatal respiratory paralysis in large ingestions. Seeds and young growth are most potent. 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 delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Butterfly' (Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Butterfly') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly'?
ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses (Delphinium species). The toxic principle is diterpene alkaloids; signs include salivation, colic, constipation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness and convulsions, with possible cardiac failure or fatal respiratory paralysis in large ingestions. Seeds and young growth are most potent. 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 delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly'?
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 delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly'?
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 delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete delphinium grandiflorum 'blue butterfly' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.