By Nick Hammond 
Bearded dragons are curious eaters, and as owners, it’s natural to wonder which plants and flowers are safe for them to enjoy.
Bearded dragons should not eat true honeysuckle, as it may contain toxins harmful to them. Cape honeysuckle is sometimes considered safe in small amounts, but safer alternatives, such as flowers and greens, are always better choices.
In this guide, we’ll explore whether bearded dragons can eat honeysuckle, what dangers it may pose, and the best alternatives to keep your dragon healthy.
“Honeysuckle” usually refers to plants in the genus Lonicera (e.g., c Lonicera japonica, common honeysuckle L. periclymenum, coral honeysuckle L. sempervirens).
These are true honeysuckles. There’s also Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis), a completely different plant from a different family that bears a resemblance to honeysuckle.
Mixing these up causes most of the internet’s confusion. Several horticulture and plant-toxicology resources note that true honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.) contain saponins and often cyanogenic glycosides, compounds associated with gastrointestinal upset and potential toxicity when ingested, especially the berries.
Bottom line: Before you decide anything, identify the plant to its scientific name. If it’s a Lonicera species, treat it as unsafe. If it’s Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis), see section 6 for nuance.
No—do not feed it. Multiple credible plant references list Lonicera species as containing saponin and/or cyanogenic compounds; the plant’s berries can be poisonous to varying degrees.
For pets in general, poison-line and horticultural sources describe vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and rapid heartbeat in symptomatic cases.
While those summaries are compiled for mammals (such as cats, dogs, and livestock), bearded dragons are not better equipped to process these toxins. If anything, the uncertainty makes it a poor risk.
Some reptile plant lists also flag honeysuckle as unsafe, or (at best) controversial, reinforcing the “avoid” stance. When reputable reptile feeding charts don’t list a plant as safe, responsible keepers treat it as a ‘do not feed’ item.
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- Compounds of concern: Saponins and cyanogenic glycosides are the main issues cited in horticultural references; berries may contain additional pigments (carotenoids) and can be upset-inducing. In mammals, these toxins cause gastrointestinal symptoms; reptiles are not exempt from their effects.
- Variable toxicity by species and part: Toxicity can differ between leaves, vines, flowers, and berries, but the uncertainty is the problem—safe feeding requires confidence. You don’t have that with Lonicera.
- Wild plant risks: Beyond intrinsic toxins, wild honeysuckle can carry pesticide residues or contaminants. You should never offer roadside or treated ornamentals to a reptile. (This general husbandry caution is standard across exotic vet guidance.)
- No reptile-specific safety data: Where specialist tortoise databases don’t find robust reptile data, they advise avoiding until evidence exists—a sensible principle to extend to dragons.
No. Testing tiny amounts of a questionable plant on a lizard is not a responsible experiment. With Lonicera spp., avoidance is the correct husbandry decision. If your dragon nibbles a leaf or flower outdoors, see Section 10 for first-aid steps and when to call a veterinarian.
That’s a common myth. Yes, people sometimes sip the nectar from certain honeysuckles, but edibility for humans doesn’t guarantee safety for reptiles. Moreover, some honeysuckle berries are documented as mildly poisonous to people, and the plants still contain the problematic compounds mentioned earlier. Don’t feed the flowers to bearded dragons.
Yes—different plant. Some pet articles list Cape honeysuckle among flowers that are generally considered safe for dragons when offered in very small amounts and from clean, pesticide-free sources.
But because many readers confuse Tecoma with true honeysuckle (Lonicera), offering “honeysuckle” of any kind creates real identification risk. If you can’t positively verify that the plant is Tecoma capensis, don’t feed it. When in doubt, choose safer, well-documented alternatives (section 7).
If you want occasional edible flowers as enrichment or color, choose options widely cited as bearded-dragon-friendly and supported by husbandry references:
- Hibiscus, nasturtium, rose petals, pansies, geraniums, dandelion flowers/leaves, daylilies, hollyhock, lavender, petunia, zinnia, violets, sunflowers (petals)—offered sparingly alongside staple leafy greens.
For everyday plant matter, base the salad on calcium-rich, oxalate-sensitive greens and varied vegetables (collard, mustard, turnip greens, dandelion greens, squash, endive, etc.), with fruit and flowers as occasional treats. A typical adult dragon’s plate is ~80% plant matter, 20% insects; juveniles need more insects. Always adapt to your vet’s guidance and your dragon’s body condition.
Because “honeysuckle” is a messy common name, identify the plant by botanical markers:
- True honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.): Opposite leaves; tubular paired flowers; later, paired berries. Invasive species, such as Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), are rampant in many regions. If the plant keys out to Lonicera, don’t feed it.
- Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis): Woody shrub/vine with trumpet-shaped orange-red flowers; different family/genus from Lonicera. Even if you confirm Tecoma, it’s still best used as an occasional treat, not a staple, and only sourced from pesticide-free sources.
If you’re not skilled in plant identification, assume “honeysuckle” refers to Lonicera and avoid it.
To both rank and serve readers, be explicit, consistent, and helpful:
Clear answer up top:
Bearded dragons should not eat true honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.). The plant contains saponins and often cyanogenic glycosides; the berries can be poisonous. Choose safer, dragon-friendly flowers and greens instead.
Show the name confusion:
Explain that “Cape honeysuckle” (Tecoma capensis) is not a true honeysuckle and may appear on “safe flower” lists, but the risk is high. So the safest policy is to skip anything sold or described only as “honeysuckle.”
Offer verified alternatives and ratios:
List specific flower options and core salad greens, along with a credible husbandry ratio, and include a reminder to vary items and gut-load insects.
Use a scannable “Do/Don’t” table in your post (example text you can reuse):
- Do: Identify plants by scientific name; wash home-grown, pesticide-free flowers; offer edible flowers sparingly; prioritize calcium-rich greens; monitor stools and appetite.
- Don’t: Feed Lonicera leaves/flowers/berries; harvest roadside ornamentals; rely on Pinterest charts with no sources; assume “if humans can sip nectar, lizards can eat the flower.”
Cite conservatively:
Where reptile-specific data are thin, cite plant-toxicology and exotic-vet husbandry sources and be transparent about uncertainty. That honesty builds trust and rankings over time.
Read More: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage? – Safe Feeding Tips 2025
- Identify the plant as precisely as possible (ideally with a local plant ID app + gardening forum confirmation). If it’s Lonicera, treat it as a potential exposure.
- Observe for symptoms over the next 24–48 hours, including drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and abnormal feces. (These signs are extrapolated from veterinary poison-line guidance for honeysuckle exposures in pets.)
- Hydration and warmth: Keep the dragon well-hydrated and at optimal basking temps to support digestion and metabolism while you monitor.
- Call an exotic vet if symptoms appear, especially if a large amount was eaten, or if the plant was definitely identified as Lonicera. Bring a plant sample or clear photos, and estimate the quantity of the plant consumed.
- Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies without veterinary advice; reptiles don’t respond to mammal-style first aid.
If you can’t get a same-day appointment but your dragon shows concerning signs, contact a pet poison hotline and an exotic emergency clinic for interim guidance.
Bearded dragons should not eat honeysuckle leaves. Honeysuckle plants contain natural toxins that can upset your dragon’s stomach and may cause illness. It’s best to avoid them completely and offer safer greens like collard, mustard, or dandelion leaves instead.
Bearded dragons should never eat honeysuckle seeds. These seeds can contain harmful compounds that may upset the digestive system or cause health problems. For your pet’s safety, stick with safe foods like squash, collard greens, or occasional fruits as healthy treats.
Yes, bearded dragons can eat broccoli, but only in small amounts. Broccoli contains oxalates, which can block calcium absorption if fed often. Offer broccoli as an occasional treat, not a daily vegetable, alongside healthier staples like collards or turnip greens.
Bearded dragons can eat grapes, but only rarely and in small slices. Grapes are high in sugar, which can lead to obesity or digestive issues if overfed. Always remove seeds before offering, and use grapes as an occasional treat only.
Bearded dragons can eat tomatoes, but only sparingly. Tomatoes are acidic and contain a high amount of water, which can upset their stomach if fed too frequently. Offer tomatoes as a rare treat, never as a regular food.
Bearded dragons can eat safe vegetables daily, such as collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, and squash. These provide calcium, vitamins, and fiber, supporting their health. Rotate these veggies often to keep your dragon’s diet balanced and exciting.
Yes, bearded dragons can eat kale in moderation. Kale is rich in calcium and vitamins, but also contains oxalates. Offering kale occasionally alongside other greens helps balance nutrition without causing issues with calcium absorption. Variety is always important.
Bearded dragons can eat clover sprouts in small amounts. While not toxic, sprouts should not be a primary food source because they are low in nutrients. Offer them as part of a varied salad, never as the main staple.
Even without pesticides, honeysuckle is unsafe for bearded dragons. The plant itself contains natural toxins that can harm them. It’s better to avoid feeding honeysuckle altogether and stick with proven safe greens and flowers.
Oranges and jasmine are not safe for bearded dragons. Oranges are too acidic and sugary, while jasmine plants may cause digestive issues. Instead, offer safe fruits like blueberries occasionally and staple greens like collards on a daily basis.
No, bearded dragons should not eat honey made from honeysuckle nectar. Honey is far too sugary and sticky for their system, which can cause digestive problems. Always choose safe vegetables and occasional fruits for sweet treats.
Toxic flowers include oleander, foxglove, azalea, daffodil, and lilies. These can harm your bearded dragon and should always be avoided.
No, honeysuckle flowers are unsafe for bearded dragons. They may contain toxins that upset the digestive system and can make your pet sick.
Safe flowers include hibiscus, nasturtium, rose petals, dandelions, pansies, and geraniums. Always make sure they’re pesticide-free and clean.
Toxic foods include avocado, rhubarb, onion, garlic, and fireflies. These can seriously harm your bearded dragon and must be avoided.
Plants like ivy, oleander, azalea, philodendron, and foxglove are poisonous to reptiles. These can cause sickness or worse if eaten.
Safe plants include hibiscus, spider plant, aloe vera, echeveria, and jade plant. Always use non-toxic, pesticide-free plants indoors.
Avocado, rhubarb, fireflies, onion, garlic, and many toxic plants are harmful to bearded dragons. Avoid feeding or exposing them.
Bearded dragons should not eat ivy, daffodils, tulips, azaleas, or honeysuckle. These plants contain toxins that are dangerous to their health.
Bearded dragons should never eat true honeysuckle, as it contains toxins that can make them sick. Even Cape honeysuckle, although sometimes mentioned as safe, is risky due to common plant confusion. The safest choice is always to stick with trusted greens, vegetables, and flowers that are proven safe. By avoiding questionable plants and offering a varied, nutritious diet, you’ll keep your bearded dragon healthy, active, and happy for years to come.