Is it toxic to dogs?
Bird of paradise
Strelitzia reginae; also Caesalpinia gilliesii (now often listed as Erythrostemon gilliesii) · Strelitziaceae (desert bird of paradise: Fabaceae)
Also called Crane flower, Bird's tongue flower, Strelitzia, Desert or yellow bird of paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii)
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Mild
Yes. The ASPCA lists both plants called bird of paradise as toxic to dogs. The common houseplant, Strelitzia, usually causes only mild nausea, vomiting and drowsiness, mostly from its fruit and seeds. The desert bird of paradise shrub (Caesalpinia gilliesii) is more toxic and can burn the mouth and cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Toxic parts
- Strelitzia: fruit and seeds (main source of signs), Desert bird of paradise: no single part named by the ASPCA, so treat the whole shrub as unsafe
- Toxic compounds
- Strelitzia: gastrointestinal irritants. Desert bird of paradise: possibly hydrocyanic acid (per the ASPCA)
- Where you’ll find it
- House and garden
Signs of poisoning
- Mild nausea (Strelitzia)
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness (Strelitzia)
- Diarrhea
- Intense burning of the mouth and drooling (desert bird of paradise)
- Trouble swallowing or incoordination (possible with desert bird of paradise)
Why it’s harmful to dogs
"Bird of paradise" means two unrelated plants. The one most people picture is Strelitzia reginae, the houseplant and tropical garden favorite with orange and blue flowers shaped like a bird's head. The other is Caesalpinia gilliesii (now often listed as Erythrostemon gilliesii), a shrub in the legume family with yellow flowers and long red stamens, known as desert or yellow bird of paradise.
The ASPCA lists both as toxic to dogs and says the desert shrub is the more toxic of the two. For Strelitzia it names gastrointestinal irritants and lists mild nausea, vomiting and drowsiness, caused mainly by the fruit and seeds. Pet Poison Helpline says eating it typically causes vomiting and diarrhea. For the desert shrub, the ASPCA lists intense burning of the mouth, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and, possibly, trouble swallowing and incoordination.
Dogs get into trouble through potted plants, dropped seed pods or shrubs in warm-climate yards. Knowing which plant you have changes how worried you need to be.
If your dog ate bird of paradise
Take plant bits and seeds away from your dog. With the Strelitzia houseplant, a small nibble usually calls for watching for drooling, vomiting and sleepiness. Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply), if your dog ate seeds, pods or a good amount of plant. If it was the desert bird of paradise, call right away, since the ASPCA rates it as more toxic.
Go to an emergency clinic if your dog is vomiting repeatedly, has trouble swallowing, or is wobbly. Outside the US, contact your local emergency vet. Don't try to make your dog vomit at home. Tell the vet which bird of paradise it was, if you know.
Keeping your dog safe
Keep potted birds of paradise on a tall stand or in a room your dog can't enter, and clear fallen pods and seeds quickly. Outdoors, plant them behind a fence or in beds your dog doesn't use.
For tropical looks without the worry, an areca palm or parlor palm is pet-friendly. Practice "leave it" around big, glossy leaves, and bring outdoor pots in or up onto a bench in the evening.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Which bird of paradise is toxic?
Both. The ASPCA lists the tropical Strelitzia reginae and the desert bird of paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii) as toxic to dogs, and says the desert shrub is more toxic.
Which part is worst?
For Strelitzia, the ASPCA says the signs come mainly from the fruit and seeds. It does not name a single part for the desert shrub, so keep your dog away from the whole plant.
Is bird of paradise a serious poisoning?
For the Strelitzia houseplant, usually not: the ASPCA lists mild nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. The desert shrub can cause intense mouth irritation, vomiting and diarrhea, so call your vet if your dog chewed it.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy