Indian-licorice
Abrus precatorius
Last reviewed: June 2026
Indian-licorice is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–360" H × 24"–120" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
FL, GA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Indian-licorice is a vigorous climbing vine that can reach 10-30 feet tall with attractive compound leaves and small pink to purple flower clusters in summer. This fast-growing perennial produces distinctive red and black seeds that are highly toxic to humans and animals.
In an HOA neighborhood
Indian-licorice takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Highly toxic seeds create major liability concerns
- Aggressive growth can overtake structures and other plants
- May be considered invasive or weedy by many HOAs
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract bees and butterflies for nectar. However, the toxic seeds pose serious risks to children, pets, and wildlife if ingested.
Common questions
- How much sun does Indian-licorice need?
- Indian-licorice grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Indian-licorice bloom?
- Indian-licorice blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Indian-licorice native?
- Indian-licorice (Abrus precatorius) is native to FL, GA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Indian-licorice toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Indian-licorice is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Indian-licorice toxic to cats?
- Yes. Indian-licorice is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Indian-licorice attract?
- Indian-licorice draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Indian-licorice HOA-friendly?
- Indian-licorice takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
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