Ageratum: Toxic to Humans and Animals

Sometimes known as Floss Flower, 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.

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By: Reggie Meehan (10/17/2025)

Ageratum is Not Edible

Ageratum is strictly ornamental and should not be eaten by people or animals. While you may come across mentions of its use in traditional herbal practices in certain parts of the world, those uses aren’t something I’d ever recommend experimenting with at home. The plant contains compounds that can be irritating or toxic, and it’s not safe to consume in any form—raw, cooked, or brewed. Even small amounts can cause digestive upset, and there’s no real upside that makes the risk worthwhile. 

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 amounts can cause symptoms like upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea. Handling ageratum is generally safe, though wearing gloves when planting or pruning is an easy precaution, but for most gardeners, it’s not something that causes any issues.

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 isn’t safe for cats or dogs either. Pets can also react to the plant’s natural compounds with digestive upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. In larger amounts, those compounds can put stress on the liver, which is why ingestion should always be taken seriously. Most pets tend to leave Ageratum alone because of its bitter taste, but curious puppies and kittens are more likely to sample leaves or flowers. If you think a pet has eaten any part of the plant, it’s best to contact your veterinarian right away for guidance.

Deer & Rabbits Avoid Ageratum

Deer generally leave Ageratum alone, which is one of the reasons I’m comfortable using it in areas with heavy Deer presence. The foliage has a bitter taste and the same compounds that make it unappealing to humans also have the same effect on deer. The fuzzy texture doesn’t help its case either. In spots with extremely heavy deer activity, you might see the occasional test bite—especially when food is scarce—but meaningful damage is uncommon.

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 for grazing livestock like goats, horses, or cattle. If eaten in meaningful amounts, it can cause digestive upset and liver damage. The compounds responsible—pyrrolizidine alkaloids—are found throughout the entire plant and can build up in the liver over time. Keeping ornamental beds well separated or fenced off from livestock is the simplest and safest way to prevent problems.

Pollinators Love Ageratum

Despite its toxicity to humans and pets, Ageratum is highly attractive to pollinators. The soft, fluffy flower clusters are packed with nectar, and they draw steady traffic from butterflies, native bees, and other beneficial insects all season long. The bloom structure is especially friendly to smaller pollinators—the tightly packed flowers are easy to land on and move across, which makes ageratum a reliable food source rather than a hit-or-miss stop.

Butterflies

Butterflies are especially drawn to ageratum, and once it starts blooming, they tend to come back again and again. The flower clusters are rich in nectar and stay productive for a long stretch, which matters during the heat of summer when other plants can slow down. Blues, lavenders, and whites stand out clearly to butterflies, and the flat-topped, cushiony blooms give them a comfortable place to land and feed. I regularly see painted ladies, swallowtails, and monarchs working ageratum in sunny beds and borders throughout the season.

One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been Ageratum ‘Monarch Magic™’, which was bred specifically with monarchs in mind. We’ve tested it ourselves, and the difference is noticeable. Monarchs don’t just visit it occasionally—they actively seek it out. In mixed plantings, Monarch Magic™ consistently receives more monarch attention than other Ageratum varieties, making it one of the most effective nectar plants we’ve seen for supporting adult monarchs during both migration and breeding periods.

Bees

Bees really make good use of Ageratum. The compact flower clusters are perfectly sized for their shorter tongues, which means they can access nectar and pollen easily without wasting energy. I often notice the same bees returning again and again, moving methodically across the blooms and then spilling over onto nearby plants, helping improve pollination throughout the bed.

Compact varieties like Aloha Blue are especially useful for these smaller bees, since the tight, low-growing flowers create dense feeding zones where bees can forage efficiently. Taller types such as Blue Horizon add another layer, offering the same nectar-rich blooms but at a higher level in the garden. Together, they create a more complete feeding station that supports a wider range of native bees over a longer period. 

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.