English Ivy
Not listed does not mean safe.
kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo source · shows: Hedera helix
Hedera helix
Also known as: Branching Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, California Ivy
Family: Araliaceae · 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 | |
| Horses & livestock | |||||
| Horses | Horses: ⚠ Toxic | Not specified | ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control | evidence | |
| Small mammals | |||||
| Rabbits | Rabbits: ⚠ Toxic | WHRS Class 1: universal 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 |
| Reptiles | |||||
| Tortoises | Tortoises: ! Caution | Tortoise Trust: listed as toxic, degree uncertain | Not specified | Tortoise Trust Specialist charity | evidence |
Source excerpts
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — Cats, Dogs, Horses
poison-control
Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
Source checked 2026-10-26
Read original sourceWisconsin House Rabbit Society — Classes of Toxic Plants — Rabbits
rescue-education
WHRS Class 1: universal toxin · Wisconsin House Rabbit Society chapter list (G. Flentke, 2012): Class 1 — "Universal species toxins": "usually systemic toxins or local effect toxins of sufficient intensity to cause systemic problems" (list heading: "Do NOT expose rabbits to these plants.").
English Ivy
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.
English Ivy
Source checked 2026-10-27 (source updated Aug 14, 2026)
Read original sourceTortoise Trust — Toxic Plants and Tortoises — Tortoises
specialist-charity
Tortoise Trust: listed as toxic, degree uncertain · Tortoise Trust toxic-plant list (from Highfield 2001): "Some plants on this list may be safely consumed in small or moderate quantities, but may be fatally toxic under certain circumstances or in large doses"; exact degree of toxicity unknown.
English ivy
Source checked 2026-10-27
Read original sourceNo evidence collected in this database yet for 17 animals
No evidence collected in this database yet for: Guinea pigs, Hamsters, Rats, Mice, Chinchillas, Ferrets, Parrots (macaws, Amazons, African greys…), Budgerigars (budgies), Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Canaries, Finches, Pigeons & doves, 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: Triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin) Source
Clinical signs
ASPCA, as published: Vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, diarrhea. Foliage is more toxic than berries Source
More from veterinary sources
Last verified (ASPCA record): 2026-10-26. Source access dates and limitations.
Similar plants (same family)
Shared family is not a shared verdict. Check each plant separately.