Is Asparagus Fern Toxic to Pets?
Yes — asparagus fern is mildly toxic to cats. Yes — asparagus fern is mildly toxic to dogs. Yes — asparagus fern is mildly toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Asparagus densiflorus
- Toxic compound
- Sapogenins
- Toxic parts
- Berries and foliage
- Also known as
- emerald fern, lace fern, plumosa fern
Symptoms
Cats (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Horses (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your cat ate asparagus fern
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.
If your dog ate asparagus fern
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.
If your horse ate asparagus fern
- Remove any plant material from your horse's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your horse is small, young or elderly.
Good to know
Not a true fern. Eating the red berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and repeated skin contact can cause rashes.
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Frequently asked questions
Is asparagus fern toxic to cats?
Yes — asparagus fern is mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is asparagus fern toxic to dogs?
Yes — asparagus fern is mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is asparagus fern toxic to horses?
Yes — asparagus fern is mildly toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of asparagus fern are toxic?
Berries and foliage.
What makes asparagus fern toxic?
Sapogenins.
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