Plants / Japanese Holly Fern / dogs

Is Japanese Holly Fern toxic to dogs?

Japanese Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) is non-toxic to dogs (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists this species as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

  • TOXINnone — no toxic principles on record
  • WHAT TO EXPECTno symptoms on record
  • CALL THE VETSee a vet if unusual or persistent symptoms follow ingestion.
S0S1S2S3S4

Nothing to do — really

S0 PROTOCOL
1
No action needed. Japanese Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) is safe to keep around dogs.
2
When to call the vet: See a vet if unusual or persistent symptoms follow ingestion.
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Care at a glance

Lightlow
Waterevery 5–9 days
Humiditymedium
Difficulty●●○

FAQ

Is Japanese Holly Fern safe for dogs?

Yes, for Cyrtomium falcatum: S0 Safe. The ASPCA's Japanese Holly Fern entry reads "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats".

Which plant does this Japanese Holly Fern verdict cover?

Cyrtomium falcatum. The ASPCA's Japanese Holly Fern, Holly Fern, Fish Tail Fern, Polystichum Falcatum, and Aspidium falcatum entries all give that scientific name. This verdict follows that species. Verdapaw's holly record gives the scientific name Ilex spp. Check the scientific name on the tag.

Do these ASPCA entries list cats and dogs as non-toxic?

Yes. Japanese Holly Fern, Holly Fern, Fish Tail Fern, and Polystichum Falcatum read "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats". Aspidium falcatum reads "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses". All five give the scientific name "Cyrtomium falcatum".

Is Japanese Holly Fern safe for cats?

Yes, for Cyrtomium falcatum: S0 Safe. The ASPCA's Japanese Holly Fern entry reads "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats".

CITE THIS PAGE

Verdapaw Plant × Pet Safety Index, verdapaw.com/plants/japanese-holly-fern, reviewed 2026-11-01