All plants › Dogs › Foxtail Fern

Is Foxtail Fern Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Mild
✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
Yes, foxtail fern is mildly toxic to dogs. Eating the fronds or berries causes stomach upset, and the sap can irritate skin on repeat contact.

Also known as: Myers Fern, Myersii Foxtail Fern, Asparagus Fern · Asparagus densiflorus

What makes it toxic

Steroidal sapogenins in leaves, stems and berries. They inflame the gut when eaten and can trigger contact dermatitis with repeated handling.

Warning signs to watch for

Drooling, vomiting and diarrhea within hours of chewing; itchy red skin in dogs that rub against the plant often.

What to do if your dog eats it

Take fronds away, offer water and watch for a day. Call your vet for persistent vomiting, and wash any irritated skin with mild soap.

Common questions

My dog ate foxtail fern berries — how bad?

Expect mild GI upset. A handful of berries might mean a rough evening of vomiting, but serious toxicity is unlikely.

Is this plant confused with dangerous foxtail grasses?

Yes, but they are unrelated. Foxtail grass awns injure skin and ears physically; foxtail fern is a chemical GI irritant.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals thaAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain coSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk ofEaster Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal kiSago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untreBoston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.