Ezina · A Field Manual for Plant Care · United States Vol. I · Ed. 2027 · Proof copy

§ Toxic plants · Apocynaceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is Madagascar periwinkle toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Madagascar periwinkle (Vinca rosea) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Critical, level 4 of 4.

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Madagascar periwinkle (Vinca rosea)
Photo: (c) Kim, Hyun-tae, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kim, Hyun-tae, via iNaturalist

§ 010 · Signs

What to watch for

Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, dullness or depression, tremors, seizures and coma. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.

§ 020 · If it happened

What to do if your pet ate it

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.

§ 030 · Same family

Other Apocynaceae plants toxic to pets

Madagascar periwinkle belongs to the Apocynaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about Madagascar periwinkle and pets

Is Madagascar periwinkle toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists Madagascar periwinkle as toxic to cats.

Is Madagascar periwinkle toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists Madagascar periwinkle as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats Madagascar periwinkle?

Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, dullness or depression, tremors, seizures and coma. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Plant Smart rates it Critical, level 4 of 4.

What should I do if my pet ate it?

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.

What else is Madagascar periwinkle called?

Madagascar periwinkle is also sold or known as periwinkle.

Changes

5 Oct 2026: page drafted.

Sources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.

Plant Smart: Plant Smart: plants toxic to pets.

Photo: (c) Kim, Hyun-tae, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kim, Hyun-tae, via iNaturalist, source.

Checked Oct 2026.