Bird of Paradise

Not listed does not mean safe.

Alvesgaspar · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · shows: Erythrostemon gilliesii

Caesalpinia gilliesii

Accepted name per Kew POWO/WCVP: Erythrostemon gilliesii (Hook.) Klotzsch (the ASPCA lists this plant as Caesalpinia gilliesii)

Also known as: Peacock Flower, Barbados Pride, Poinciana, Pride of Barbados

Family: Fabaceae (ASPCA lists: Leguminosae) · ASPCA plant record

Verdict at a glance

🐱 Cats⚠ ToxicASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

🐶 Dogs⚠ ToxicASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

Show all animals

🐢 Tortoises! CautionTortoise Trust: listed as toxic, degree uncertain

Evidence by animal

Sourced plant verdicts — read the original wording and scope
Animal	Verdict	Basis	Plant parts	Sources	Evidence link
Companion mammals
Cats	Cats: ⚠ Toxic		Not specified	ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control	evidence
Dogs	Dogs: ⚠ Toxic		Not specified	ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control	evidence
Reptiles
Tortoises	Tortoises: ! Caution	Tortoise Trust: listed as toxic, degree uncertain	Not specified	Tortoise Trust Specialist charity	evidence

Source excerpts

ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — Cats, Dogs

poison-control

Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats

Source checked 2026-10-27

Read original source

Tortoise Trust — Toxic Plants and Tortoises — Tortoises

specialist-charity

Tortoise Trust: listed as toxic, degree uncertain · Tortoise Trust toxic-plant list (from Highfield 2001): "Some plants on this list may be safely consumed in small or moderate quantities, but may be fatally toxic under certain circumstances or in large doses"; exact degree of toxicity unknown.

Bird of paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii)

Source checked 2026-10-27

Read original source

No evidence collected in this database yet for 20 animals

No evidence collected in this database yet for: Horses, Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Hamsters, Rats, Mice, Chinchillas, Ferrets, Pet birds (general), Parrots (macaws, Amazons, African greys…), Budgerigars (budgies), Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Canaries, Finches, Pigeons & doves, Bearded dragons, Iguanas, Goats, Chickens & other poultry

No supported claim has been collected for these animals. Not listed does not mean safe; do not infer suitability from another species.

Toxic principles

ASPCA, as published: possibly hydrocyanic acid Source

Clinical signs

ASPCA, as published: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing and incoordination is possible. Deaths in rabbits have been reported. Should not be confused with the less toxic Strelitzia reginae. Source

Last verified (ASPCA record): 2026-10-27. Source access dates and limitations.

Similar plants (same family)

Shared family is not a shared verdict. Check each plant separately.