Is Asparagus Fern safe for cats and dogs?
| Species | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Dogs | Toxic |
Severity: Moderate
Read the full first-aid guide: what to do if your pet ate something toxic
Asparagus fern is a popular houseplant and hanging-basket filler prized for its feathery, needle-like foliage. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to both cats and dogs: repeated skin contact with the plant can cause allergic dermatitis, and pets that eat its small berries may develop vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.
The same plant sold on garden-center shelves has also become a problem in Florida's wild spaces. Today it's correctly labeled Asparagus aethiopicus 'Sprengeri' — the University of Florida's IFAS Assessment notes this is the accurate name for what nurseries long sold as Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri.' That assessment rates the plant "Invasive and not recommended by IFAS" for Central and South Florida, while North Florida growers are told to "manage to prevent escape." UF/IFAS Extension has separately warned home gardeners that its seeds may germinate and escape cultivated beds into surrounding natural areas.
If your cat or dog has eaten asparagus fern berries or developed a skin rash after contact with the plant, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, or persistent irritation.
Facts and examples
- UF/IFAS Assessment rates Asparagus aethiopicus (the correct current name for what was long sold as Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri') as "Invasive and not recommended by IFAS" for Central and South Florida, and "Caution - manage to prevent escape" for North Florida. (source, verified 2026-07-31)
- UF/IFAS Extension states that asparagus fern seeds "may germinate and escape the cultivated area into surrounding natural areas and should be managed with caution to prevent escape." (source, verified 2026-07-31)
Verdict re-verified against aspca.org, 2026-07-31 — confirmed unchanged. Source
This page is for general information only and is not veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is showing symptoms, or you think they ate or touched something dangerous, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison-control hotline immediately.
Last verified 2026-07-31