Bulbine

Bulbine frutescens

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

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

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA has no page for this plant, so no pet verdict is given.

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

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.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 9-11, hardy to the low 20s F (UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions). The Florida Bee Gardens page lists 8a to 11.
Light: Full sun is best, and it can grow with shade for part of the day (UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions). Florida Bee Gardens: partial shade to full sun.
Water needs: low
Mature size: Succulent, grass-like foliage about a foot tall with flower stalks about two feet; a clump can spread to four feet wide over time (UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions). The Florida Bee Gardens page lists 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet spread.
Family: Asphodelaceae (UNF Botanical Garden)
Where it comes from: South Africa (UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions); UNF says the genus is native to southern Africa.