Plants / Copperleaf / dogs

Is Copperleaf toxic to dogs?

Copperleaf (Acalypha godseffiana) is toxic to dogs (S1 Caution): the ASPCA lists diterpene esters and drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • TOXINDiterpene esters
  • WHAT TO EXPECTDrooling; vomiting; diarrhea
  • CALL THE VETContact your vet if drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea persists or worsens after Copperleaf ingestion.
S0S1S2S3S4

Symptoms

SIGN
Drooling
vomiting
diarrhea

If your dog just ate it

S1 PROTOCOL
1
Move Copperleaf (Acalypha godseffiana) out of your dog's reach. Watch for drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact your vet if signs persist or worsen.
2
When to call the vet: Contact your vet if drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea persists or worsens after Copperleaf ingestion.
Put it in my home →

Care at a glance

Lightdirect
Waterevery 7–10 days
Humiditymedium
Difficulty●●○

FAQ

Is Copperleaf toxic to dogs?

Yes, for Acalypha godseffiana: S1 Caution. The ASPCA Copperleaf entry lists "Diterpene esters" and "Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea". Move Copperleaf out of your dog's reach and contact your vet if signs persist or worsen.

Which plant does this Copperleaf verdict cover?

Acalypha godseffiana. The ASPCA Copperleaf entry gives that scientific name. Additional names are Firestorm and match-me-if-you-can. This is not chenille (Acalypha hispida). Check the scientific name on the tag.

What signs does the Copperleaf entry list?

The clinical-signs field reads "Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea". The toxic-principles field reads "Diterpene esters". The toxicity line reads "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses". Move the plant out of reach and contact your vet if signs persist or worsen.

Is Copperleaf toxic to cats?

Yes, for Acalypha godseffiana: S1 Caution. The ASPCA Copperleaf entry lists "Diterpene esters" and "Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea". Move Copperleaf out of your cat's reach and contact your vet if signs persist or worsen.

CITE THIS PAGE

Verdapaw Plant × Pet Safety Index, verdapaw.com/plants/copperleaf, reviewed 2026-11-05