Is Elephant's Ear Poisonous? – Toxicity to Dogs, Cats, and Children

Elephant’s ear plants are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. The most common plants sold under this name, including Alocasia, Caladium, and Colocasia species, all contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout every part of the plant. Chewing or ingesting any part causes an immediate intense burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.

Which Plants Are Called Elephant’s Ear?

Several large-leafed tropical plants share the name “elephant’s ear.” The most commonly grown are:

• Alocasia spp. (giant taro, African mask plant)
• Caladium spp. (angel wings, heart of Jesus)
• Colocasia esculenta (taro; edible only when thoroughly cooked, toxic raw)
• Xanthosoma spp.

All of these carry the same calcium oxalate crystal toxicity. The name does not indicate a single safe or unsafe species; the entire group is a concern for pets and children. The ASPCA lists multiple species within this group as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

Toxic Parts

All parts of the plant are toxic, including:

• Leaves
• Stems
• Roots and corms
• Sap

There is no part that is safe to chew or ingest when raw. Colocasia (taro) roots become edible only after prolonged cooking, which breaks down the crystals. Raw taro in any form carries the same risks as other plants in this group.

Symptoms

Dogs and cats: Immediate intense drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The burning sensation from calcium oxalate crystals usually causes most pets to stop eating the plant quickly, which limits the amount ingested. Swelling of the mouth or throat is a concern if a large amount is consumed or if the pet is particularly sensitive.

Humans and children: A burning or stinging sensation in the mouth and throat occurs within seconds of chewing the plant. Drooling, swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, difficulty swallowing, and nausea can follow. In rare cases, significant swelling of the airway is a concern when large amounts are ingested or when a child is especially sensitive.

What to Do

1. Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth immediately.
2. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water.
3. Give water or milk to drink to help dilute any irritants.
4. Do not induce vomiting.
5. Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) or your vet right away, especially if swelling of the mouth or throat is visible or if swallowing appears difficult.
6. Watch for signs of airway swelling in children: drooling they cannot control, difficulty breathing, or a change in voice.

Most cases resolve with supportive care, but significant throat swelling requires emergency medical attention.

Safe Handling

Elephant’s ear plants are widely used as landscape ornamentals and houseplants because of their dramatic large leaves. They are common in garden centers, often without adequate toxic warnings.

If you keep these plants in a household with pets or children:

• Place them in areas where pets and young children cannot reach or chew on them.
• Supervise children around all large-leafed tropical houseplants.
• Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid skin irritation from the sap.
• Wash hands after handling.
• If your pet regularly chews on houseplants, consider keeping all Alocasia, Caladium, and similar plants in rooms with closed doors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Caladium and Alocasia both dangerous? Yes. Both contain insoluble calcium oxalates and carry the same toxicity profile for pets and people.

Can taro (Colocasia) be eaten safely? Only when thoroughly cooked. Raw taro root is as irritating as other elephant’s ear plants. Cooking destroys the calcium oxalate crystals. Do not give raw taro to pets under any circumstances.

My dog chewed a leaf but is not showing symptoms. Should I still call the vet? Yes. The immediate burning sensation usually causes dogs to stop eating quickly, but even a small amount can cause ongoing irritation. Your vet can advise whether monitoring at home is appropriate or whether an office visit is needed.

Is elephant’s ear toxic to horses? Alocasia and related plants are considered toxic to horses. Keep these plants out of pastures and paddocks.