Is Fern Palm Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Zamia spp.
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Cycasin |
| Onset of symptoms | 15 minutes to several hours for vomiting; liver failure over 2-3 days |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
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
- Black/bloody stool
- Jaundice
- Bruising
- Seizures
- Liver failure
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
- Lethargy
- Liver failure
Symptoms in horses
- Colic
- Diarrhea
- Liver failure
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What to do
Go to an emergency vet immediately — do not wait for symptoms. Mortality is around 30-50% even with treatment.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Fern Palm is cycasin.
What makes this plant different
Fern Palm is another common name for Zamia species cycads, sharing Sago Palm's severe cycasin-driven liver toxicity — despite the name suggesting a harmless fern, this plant belongs to the same dangerous cycad family.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Zamia spp.
- Family
- Cycadaceae
- Also known as
- Fern Palm, Sago Palm, Cycads
- Typically found
- both
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Related plants
Cardboard Cycad
Zamia furfuracea
Cardboard Palm
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Coontie Palm
Zamia pumila
Cycads
Cycas and Zamia species
Sago Palm
Cycas revoluta, zamia species
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control