Fan flower

Scaevola aemula

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

No hazardous parts found.

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

none named by our sources

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.

Not assessed for pets: the sources cited do not cover this plant. That is not a statement that it is safe. Keep pets 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.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Beach naupaka (Scaevola taccada). To tell them apart: UF/IFAS distinguishes garden fan flower (Scaevola aemula) from beach naupaka (Scaevola taccada). Beach naupaka is a documented invasive plant on Florida coasts; the plant here is the garden species, not that one

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 10 and 11 (NC State Extension); grown as an annual in colder areas such as North Carolina.
Light: NC State: typically sited in well-drained soil with dappled sunlight or partial shade; its attribute list also allows full sun.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: Up to about 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide (NC State Extension); UF/IFAS Charlotte County gives about 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide.

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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