Heliotrope

Heliotropium arborescens L.

Family: Boraginaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, sap, seeds, stems

Preparation

None known to make it safe. NC State says it is toxic to humans if eaten in large amounts. If any part has been eaten, call your poison center.

Hazard type

NC State: poisonous to humans, severity medium. Symptoms: digestive upset and liver damage. Toxic principle: pyrrolizidine alkaloid., NC State: does not cause contact dermatitis.

Hazard route

ingestion

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's genus-level page names horses, not dogs or cats, so there is no dog or cat verdict from either source and none is made here. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are the same toxin NC State names as the human hazard. Until then, keep pets and horses from eating 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.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 10a to 11b (NC State Extension). It is a tender perennial often grown as an annual or houseplant.
Water needs: moderate to high (keep soil moist)
Mature size: 1 to 2.5 feet tall and wide (NC State attribute list). In its natural tropical range it can reach 2 to 6 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, though up to 2 feet is the norm (NC State).

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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