Ageratum Toxicity to Humans & Animals

Sometimes known as Flossflower, Ageratum is a popular annual (and occasionally a perennial) known for its soft, fluffy clusters of blue, purple, pink, or white blooms. It’s a favorite in borders, containers, and pollinator gardens, but many gardeners wonder whether it’s safe to handle, consume, or plant around pets.

Short Answer: Ageratum is NOT Edible and should be used for visual appeal only. 

Certain compounds in Ageratum can cause irritation or illness if ingested, so it’s important to know the risks before planting it in areas accessible to pets, children, or grazing animals.

By: Reggie Meehan (10/17/2025)

Ageratum is Not Edible

Ageratum is not edible and should not be consumed by humans or animals. While it has been used in traditional herbal medicine in certain parts of the world, such uses carry risks and should only be done under expert supervision. The plant’s toxic compounds make it unsafe for casual consumption, whether raw, cooked, or brewed as tea. Even small amounts could trigger digestive discomfort or longer-term health effects. The safest approach is to admire its flowers in the garden and avoid using it in any food or drink preparations.

Ageratum is Toxic to Humans

Ageratum is toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can cause liver damage if consumed in significant amounts. Even small doses may lead to stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea. Skin contact is usually safe, though some individuals with sensitive skin may experience mild irritation when handling the leaves or stems.

Ageratum is meant to be enjoyed as an ornamental, and it should never be used as a food ingredient or herbal remedy without professional guidance. Always wash your hands after handling garden plants, especially if you plan to eat or prepare food afterward. Keeping Ageratum out of reach of children is the simplest way to prevent accidental ingestion.

What About Cats and Dogs?

Ageratum is not safe for cats or dogs to eat. Like in humans, the plant’s pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause digestive upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In larger amounts, these compounds may cause more serious issues, such as liver damage. While pets rarely consume large quantities due to the plant’s bitter taste, curious animals — especially puppies and kittens — may nibble on leaves or flowers. If you suspect your pet has ingested Ageratum, contact your veterinarian promptly. As a precaution, place Ageratum in areas that pets can’t easily reach.

Deer & Rabbits Avoid Ageratum

Deer generally avoid eating Ageratum due to its bitter taste and toxic compounds, making it a good choice for deer-resistant gardens. In areas with high deer pressure, it may still be sampled occasionally, especially if other food sources are scarce, but damage is typically minimal. Its fuzzy foliage and strong scent also make it less appealing to browsing wildlife. 

Additionally, gardeners in rural or wooded areas often find that Ageratum holds up better than many other annuals when deer activity peaks in late summer. Even if a curious deer takes a bite, the plant usually rebounds quickly thanks to its vigorous growth and resilience.

Rabbits also tend to leave Ageratum alone for the same reasons — unpalatable flavor, fuzzy texture, and mild toxicity. While no plant is entirely rabbit-proof, Ageratum’s natural defenses mean it usually fares better than many other annuals in rabbit-prone areas.

Wildlife (Goats, Horses, etc.)

Ageratum is also toxic to grazing livestock such as goats, horses, and cattle. Ingesting significant amounts can lead to liver damage and digestive upset. For this reason, it should not be planted in pastures or where grazing animals can access it. Keeping ornamental beds fenced off from livestock is the best way to avoid accidental ingestion.

The toxic compounds responsible, primarily pyrrolizidine alkaloids, are present in all parts of the plant and can accumulate in the liver over time. While accidental consumption is rare, prolonged exposure through contaminated hay or forage can pose serious health risks to farm animals.

Pollinators Love Ageratum

Despite its toxicity to humans and pets, Ageratum is highly attractive to pollinators. The fluffy clusters of flowers produce nectar that draws in butterflies, native bees, and other beneficial insects. Smaller pollinators in particular find the tightly packed blooms easy to navigate.

Butterflies

Ageratum’s soft, tufted flower clusters are rich in nectar, making them a magnet for butterflies throughout the growing season. Their long bloom period ensures a consistent food source, particularly appealing to species like painted ladies, monarchs, and swallowtails. The plant’s blue, lavender, or white hues stand out to butterflies, which are especially drawn to brightly colored, flat-topped clusters where they can land and feed easily.

In sunny garden beds or borders, Ageratum often becomes a regular stop for butterflies, helping sustain their populations during both migration and breeding seasons. Recent developments in breeding have resulted in an Ageratum named ‘Monarch’s Magic,’ which is renowned for drawing in Monarch butterflies. We have independently tested this plant and its attractiveness to Monarch butterflies is unmatched.

Bees

Bees — especially small native bees such as sweat bees and mining bees — thrive on Ageratum’s compact flowers, which are perfectly sized for their shorter tongues. The blooms provide abundant nectar and pollen, encouraging repeat visits that enhance pollination both for Ageratum and surrounding plants. While honeybees may also visit, Ageratum tends to be particularly valuable for solitary and wild bee species that rely on continuous nectar sources. Its dense clusters mean bees can forage efficiently, moving quickly from floret to floret without expending extra energy searching for food.

Enjoy Ageratum Safely

Ageratum brings a soft, cloud-like texture and vibrant color to garden beds, borders, and containers, making it a versatile choice for ornamental planting. To enjoy it safely, simply keep it out of reach of pets, children, and grazing animals. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin, and avoid handling the plant right before preparing food. By treating Ageratum as a purely decorative addition to the landscape, you can enjoy its beauty without the risks of accidental ingestion.