Is Emerald Feather Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Asparagus densiflorus
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Sapogenins, concentrated in the berries |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | indoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Skin irritation (dermatitis) from repeated contact
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
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What to do
Contact a vet if berries were eaten in quantity; repeated skin contact with the foliage can also cause dermatitis independent of ingestion.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Emerald Feather is sapogenins, concentrated in the berries.
Part-specific risk: Berries are more concentrated in toxins than the fern-like foliage.
What makes this plant different
Emerald Feather is simply a trade name for Asparagus Fern, sharing its sapogenin-driven toxicity concentrated in the small red berries rather than the delicate, fern-like foliage most people notice first.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Asparagus densiflorus
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Also known as
- Emerald Feather, Emerald Fern, Asparagus, Sprengeri fern, Plumosa fern
- Typically found
- indoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control