Plot & PetalField ManualAll plants
Pentas
Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers
Family: RubiaceaeOrigin: East Africa & Yemen
- Swallowtail Favorite
- Continuous Flush
- Hummingbird Friendly
Pet & Human Safety
People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them
Pentas lanceolata has no entry in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and NC State's plant page lists no poison information either. Not verified either way: treat as unconfirmed rather than cleared, and keep pets from grazing it.
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 soonCare
- Hardiness zones
10 - 11 (NC State)
- Mature size
Height: 18-24 inches. Spread: 18-24 inches, rounded bush habit.
How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.
Get the app: coming soonAnatomy & Guilds
Botanical Anatomy & Characteristics
How the flowers and leaves are built and which pollinators visit, where we have them.
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Field Doctor
What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.
Get the app: coming soonVintage Plates
Vintage Plates
Old botanical drawings from public libraries are in the app, for plants where we have them.
Get the app: coming soon