Wild Begonia
Rumex venosus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Wild Begonia 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
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, IA and 16 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Wild begonia is a low-growing native perennial with distinctive broad, wavy leaves and clusters of small greenish flowers in late spring and summer. This drought-tolerant plant spreads by underground rhizomes and thrives in sandy soils, making it useful for challenging dry sites.
In an HOA neighborhood
Wild Begonia takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Has weedy appearance especially when not blooming
- Common name includes 'wild' which signals informal appearance
- May spread beyond intended boundaries
Wildlife value
Provides nectar for bees and beetles during its May through July bloom period. The seeds also offer food for small birds and wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Wild Begonia need?
- Wild Begonia grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Wild Begonia bloom?
- Wild Begonia blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Wild Begonia native?
- Wild Begonia (Rumex venosus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 16 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Wild Begonia toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Wild Begonia 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 Wild Begonia toxic to cats?
- Yes. Wild Begonia 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 Wild Begonia attract?
- Wild Begonia draws bees and beetles.
- Is Wild Begonia HOA-friendly?
- Wild Begonia 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.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Wild Begonia and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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