Are Butterfly Bushes Poisonous? | Plant Addicts (2024)

Author Teresa Odle 7-6-2020

Although butterfly bushes (Buddleja davidii) are not edible, they are no more toxic than any other garden plant. They should be safe to plant where children, dogs, cats, and other animals live. In fact, butterfly bushes are deer resistant. They attract and feed nectar to hummingbirds and butterflies. "Warnings" about growing the pretty shrub tend to come from the ability of some of the original hybrids to become invasive, but only in certain climates, and only some types.

Are Butterfly Bushes Poisonous to Children

Butterfly bushes are not considered poisonous. Still, it is not advisable to allow children to ingest a shrub's leaves or flowers.

Are Butterfly Bushes Poisonous? | Plant Addicts (1)

Are Butterfly Bushes Poisonous to Dogs

Butterfly bushes are not attractive to dogs, nor are they poisonous to them.

Are Butterfly Bushes Poisonous to Cats

Butterfly bushes are not poisonous to cats.

Are Butterfly Bushes Poisonous to Other Animals

There is no evidence that butterfly bushes are poisonous to horses, cows, or other livestock. They also are deer resistant, so deer avoid the plants.

  • Butterfly bushes should not poison children, but also are not edible.
  • Butterfly bushes are not considered poisonous to domestic pets.
  • Deer avoid eating butterfly bushes.
  • The shrub should not harm livestock.

Check with your county extension to make sure butterfly bushes are not an invasive species in your area. Many of the new cultivars are sterile, but they can still cross-pollinate with wild species and modify the fertility of the plant. The non-toxicity of the plant and abundant blooms make it an attractive choice for home landscape plantings.

Pet Poison Helpline

If something were to happen to your furry friend, and you suspect that they are suffering from (insert plant) poisoning, there is a poison control hotline to call for 24/7 vet advice. It is called Pet Poison Hotline, and their phone number is (855) 764-7661.

Click here for a complete list of Pet Safe Plants.

Sources: "Buddleia davidii - Franch."Plants for a Future.pfaf.org

Are Butterfly Bushes Poisonous? | Plant Addicts (2)

Author Teresa Odle - Published 7-06-2020

Are Butterfly Bushes Poisonous? | Plant Addicts (2024)

FAQs

Are Butterfly Bushes Poisonous? | Plant Addicts? ›

Although butterfly bushes (Buddleja davidii

Buddleja davidii
It is widely used as an ornamental plant, and many named varieties are in cultivation. The genus was named Buddleja after Reverend Adam Buddle, an English botanist. The species name davidii honors the French missionary and explorer in China, Father Armand David, who was the first European to report the shrub.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Buddleja_davidii
) are not edible, they are no more toxic than any other garden plant.

Is butterfly bush poisonous? ›

As is suggested by the common name, the flowers of the butterfly bush attract butterflies. The nectar-rich flowers also appeal to hummingbirds and other pollinators. Neither the flowers nor any other parts of the plant are classified as toxic to animals or humans.

What are the negatives of the butterfly bush? ›

Butterfly bushes grow and spread aggressively, often out-competing native plants. This can disrupt local ecosystems and decrease food and habitat availability for beneficial insects and other wildlife.

What damage does the butterfly bush do? ›

Damage and Impact

Butterfly bush has the most ecological impact by displacing native plants when it escapes to natural areas. Once established in a natural area, butterfly bush can displace native plants. Native plants are important for pollinators because they provide them with a natural nectar source.

What is the butterfly bush used for in medicine? ›

The medicinal butterfly bush may be useful as a diuretic and pain reliever with powerful antimicrobial activity. In traditional Chinese medicine, Buddleja flower buds (mi meng hua) are used for eye complaints including bloodshot eyes, eye secretions and sensitivity to light.

Are butterfly bushes poisonous to animals? ›

Is Butterfly Bush Toxic for Dogs? While they are not edible, they are also not poisonous to dogs, cats, or humans. Eating a large quantity (we mean a lot) of leaves, stems, or flowers can cause an upset stomach. It is certainly safe for your dogs!

Are butterfly bushes banned in some states? ›

The most commonly-banned invasive type of butterfly bush is the Buddleia davidii, which has been declared invasive on most of the east and west coasts of the US, as well as England and New Zealand. The species seeds are spread by wind, and once they start to spread, they can be very hard to control.

Is butterfly bush toxic to dogs? ›

🐶 Butterfly Bush is non-toxic to dogs, but may cause mild GI upset. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea; usually not severe. Prevent ingestion with training, barriers, or offering safe plant alternatives.

Do butterfly bushes attract mosquitoes? ›

The scientists chose the butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) for their experiment because it's a very hardy plant that flowers throughout the year, and mosquitoes are attracted to it.

What is the lifespan of a butterfly bush? ›

Typically, a butterfly bush will live about 10 years. You may find some plants that live longer than that, but it's a rare case. Proper care of a butterfly bush will help it live longer and thrive in your garden.

Are butterfly bushes banned? ›

It forms thick, shrubby thickets that preclude the development of other native species such as willow. Butterfly bush is considered invasive in many states, as well as England and New Zealand. Some states, like Oregon, have even banned sales of the plant.

What happens if you don't cut back a butterfly bush? ›

Left unpruned, large butterfly bushes can become “second story” plants: their flowers form way up at the top so you can't enjoy them unless you have a second story window. The warmer your climate, the more you should cut back your butterfly bush each spring.

How deep do butterfly bush roots go? ›

The fibrous root system of the butterfly bush is rather shallow, taking advantage of the available water and nutrients close to the topsoil. The shrub could grow to four meters or 6 to 12 feet tall and spread a good four to five meters or 4 to 15 feet across.

Are butterfly bush blooms edible? ›

Although butterfly bushes (Buddleja davidii) are not edible, they are no more toxic than any other garden plant. They should be safe to plant where children, dogs, cats, and other animals live.

What does the butterfly bush symbolize? ›

Buddleia has a history as a symbol of resurrection, rebirth, and new beginnings. Sporting a lesser-known nickname of “bombsite bush,” this amazing plant is known for thriving in the toughest environments — even in the rubble of war-torn lands.

Is the butterfly bush toxic to dogs? ›

🐶 Butterfly Bush is non-toxic to dogs, but may cause mild GI upset. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea; usually not severe.

Is butterfly bush safe to burn? ›

Branches can be burned (if your area allows burning), put in your yard waste container, or taken to a landfill or composting facility.

What is the poisonous plant for butterflies? ›

Milkweed grows throughout the US and is essential for the survival of monarch butterflies. All parts of the plant contain toxic cardiac glycosides, which can cause nausea, diarrhea, weakness, and confusion in small amounts, and seizures, heart rhythm changes, respiratory paralysis, and even death in large amounts.

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