Violets, whether found growing wild or cultivated indoors, are popular plants whose safety profile is often misunderstood. The confusion arises because the common name “violet” is applied to several botanically distinct species, each with a different level of toxicity. Clarifying the specific plant you encounter is the first step in assessing any danger to humans or pets.
Differentiating Common Plants Called Violets
The term “violet” typically refers to two major plant groups that are not closely related botanically. True Violets belong to the genus Viola, which includes hundreds of species like the Sweet Violet (Viola odorata) and the common wild violet (Viola sororia). These are typically low-growing, outdoor plants with heart-shaped leaves and asymmetrical flowers that often feature a distinct nectar spur.
African Violets, in contrast, belong to the genus Saintpaulia and are almost exclusively grown indoors. These plants are structurally different, forming a compact rosette of thick, fleshy, and characteristically fuzzy leaves. Their flowers are bilaterally symmetrical and lack the spur found on the true violets, making the distinction critical for safety assessment.
Toxicity Profile of True Violets (Viola Species)
The safety of true violets (Viola) depends heavily on which part of the plant is consumed and in what quantity. The leaves and flowers are frequently used in small amounts for culinary purposes like jellies, syrups, and teas, and are generally considered safe for consumption. These aerial parts are often low in toxic compounds.
The primary concern lies within the seeds and the underground structures, specifically the rhizomes. These parts contain higher concentrations of chemical compounds known as saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Saponins can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset if ingested in significant amounts. Ingestion of these toxic parts is rarely fatal but can result in severe discomfort.
Safety Status of African Violets and Other Look-Alikes
The African Violet (Saintpaulia species) is widely recognized as non-toxic to both humans and household pets. While ingestion of the leaves is unlikely to cause serious harm, consuming large amounts of the fibrous plant material may still result in mild gastrointestinal upset, such as minor vomiting or diarrhea, due to mechanical irritation rather than chemical toxicity.
Another purple-flowering plant sometimes confused with true violets is the Persian Violet (Exacum affine), which is also considered non-toxic. However, the common name “Persian Violet” is occasionally misapplied to the highly toxic Cyclamen species, which contains irritating saponins in its tubers. Verifying the scientific name of any purple-flowered plant is therefore the only reliable method to confirm its safety status.
Immediate Symptoms and Emergency Protocol
If a person or pet has ingested a potentially toxic part of a true violet, the initial symptoms are typically gastrointestinal. Look for signs like persistent vomiting, stomach cramping, or severe diarrhea, which indicate the body is reacting to the saponins. More concerning symptoms that require immediate emergency attention include difficulty breathing or any loss of consciousness.
If ingestion is suspected, the most important step is to quickly identify the specific plant part and the estimated amount consumed. You should immediately call the national Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for professional advice. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless directed to do so by a medical professional or the Poison Control operator. They will use the information about the plant and the individual’s symptoms to determine whether emergency medical intervention is necessary.