Ornamental Pepper

Ornamental Pepper

Capsicum annuum
Dogs: Mild Cats: Mild

Plant Information

Christmas Pepper, Capsicum, Decorative Chili

Solanaceae

houseplant

Mildly Toxic

Toxicity Details

fruit, leaves

Capsaicin, solanine (leaves)

Immediate

mild

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Oral burning
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

What to Do

Offer milk or water to soothe oral burning. Monitor at home. The capsaicin causes pain but is not truly toxic — it just causes irritation.

About Ornamental Pepper

Ornamental Peppers are popular holiday plants with colorful fruit. The capsaicin causes intense oral burning but is not a true toxin — pets learn quickly to avoid them. The leaves contain mild solanine (nightshade family). Rarely causes serious harm.

Safe Alternatives

These plants provide a similar look but are non-toxic to pets: