Yesterday, today and tomorrow

Brunfelsia australis

Family: Solanaceae

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

all parts, berries (especially toxic)

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Poisonous alkaloids. UF/IFAS rates toxicity medium and says brunfelsamidine and other toxic alkaloids can cause nerve and stomach problems if eaten.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

ASPCA lists Brunfelsia species as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is brunfelsamidine. Signs include tremors, seizures that can last several days, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, poor coordination and coughing. A whole-genus toxic page covers every species in the genus, including this one. UF/IFAS agrees: all parts hold toxic alkaloids and the berries are especially toxic. Basis: whole-genus page labelled Brunfelsia species.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other Brunfelsia sold as yesterday, today and tomorrow (B. grandiflora, B. pauciflora). To tell them apart: The common name is shared by several Brunfelsia species and sellers mix them up; do not trust a name alone.. ASPCA rates the whole Brunfelsia genus toxic, so the pet warning applies whichever one is meant.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 9b to 11b per UF/IFAS (whole-genus sheet)
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: about 7 to 10 ft tall and 5 to 8 ft wide depending on species; UF/IFAS says B. australis is larger than the other common species, and it can be pruned to stay near 8 ft

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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