Asparagus Fern
Not listed does not mean safe.
Traumrune · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · shows: Asparagus densiflorus
Asparagus densiflorus cv sprengeri
Also known as: Asparagus, Emerald Feather, Emerald Fern, Sprengeri Fern, Plumosa Fern, Lace Fern, Racemose Asparagus, Shatavari
Family: Liliaceae · ASPCA plant record
Verdict at a glance
Evidence by animal
| Animal | Verdict | Basis | Plant parts | Sources | Evidence link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Companion mammals | |||||
| Cats | Cats: ⚠ Toxic | Not specified | ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control | evidence | |
| Dogs | Dogs: ⚠ Toxic | Not specified | ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control | evidence | |
| Small mammals | |||||
| Rabbits | Rabbits: ! Caution | WHRS Class 3: low-level toxin | Not specified | Wisconsin House Rabbit Society Rescue/education group | evidence |
| Birds | |||||
| Pet birds (general) | Pet birds (general): ! Caution | VCA: on the may-be-poisonous list (not specifically reported) | Not specified | VCA Animal Hospitals Veterinary reference | evidence |
Source excerpts
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — Cats, Dogs
poison-control
Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats
Source checked 2026-10-27
Read original sourceWisconsin House Rabbit Society — Classes of Toxic Plants — Rabbits
rescue-education
WHRS Class 3: low-level toxin · Wisconsin House Rabbit Society chapter list (G. Flentke, 2012): Class 3 — "Low risk plants": "Low-level toxins or toxins that herbivores, such as rabbits, routinely handle better than non-herbivore species" (list heading: "Low Level Toxins"). WHRS says to watch the rabbit for signs of poisoning.
Asparagus Fern
Source checked 2026-10-27
Read original sourceVCA Animal Hospitals — Plants That Are Toxic to Birds — Pet birds (general)
veterinary-reference
VCA: on the may-be-poisonous list (not specifically reported) · VCA: on the list of "many plants which may be poisonous to birds, although it is not exhaustive"; no asterisk, so not specifically reported harmful in birds. VCA notes information is often inferred from other species.
Asparagus Fern
Source checked 2026-10-27 (source updated Aug 14, 2026)
Read original sourceNo evidence collected in this database yet for 19 animals
No evidence collected in this database yet for: Horses, Guinea pigs, Hamsters, Rats, Mice, Chinchillas, Ferrets, Parrots (macaws, Amazons, African greys…), Budgerigars (budgies), Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Canaries, Finches, Pigeons & doves, Tortoises, Bearded dragons, Iguanas, Goats, Chickens & other poultry
No supported claim has been collected for these animals. Not listed does not mean safe; do not infer suitability from another species.
Toxic principles
ASPCA, as published: Not provided Source
Clinical signs
ASPCA, as published: Allergic dermatitis with repeated dermal exposure. Berry ingestion could result in gastric upset (vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea). Source
Last verified (ASPCA record): 2026-10-27. Source access dates and limitations.
Similar plants (same family)
Shared family is not a shared verdict. Check each plant separately.