Porcelain Berry Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,250 found this helpful

All plant parts, particularly berries, are toxic, containing calcium oxalate and oxalic acid irritant compounds

Ingestion causes mouth/throat irritation, gastrointestinal distress, and potential breathing impairment in humans and animals

The plant is severely toxic to birds, even in small ingestion amounts

FAQ

Is Porcelain Berry toxic to Humans?

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing (pharyngeal edema), and difficulty swallowing (laryngeal edema) (Low)

Is Porcelain Berry toxic to Cats?

No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present with similar mucosal irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms as humans if ingested (Unknown)

Is Porcelain Berry toxic to Dogs?

No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present with similar mucosal irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms as humans if ingested (Unknown)

Is Porcelain Berry toxic to Horses?

No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present with similar mucosal irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms as humans if ingested (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing (pharyngeal edema), and difficulty swallowing (laryngeal edema)

Cats

Unknown

No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present with similar mucosal irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms as humans if ingested

Dogs

Unknown

No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present with similar mucosal irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms as humans if ingested

Horses

Unknown

No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present with similar mucosal irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms as humans if ingested

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts, particularly the berries

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion of plant material, especially berries; dermal contact may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsCalcium oxalate; Oxalic acid

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with cool water to remove remaining plant residue if ingested
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a medical or veterinary professional
• Monitor closely for signs of throat swelling, breathing difficulty or persistent pain

Contact Vet Immediately

• Ingestion of more than 2 berries by pets, livestock or young children
• Presence of symptoms including difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting or severe throat pain
• Signs of allergic reaction or hypersensitivity after exposure

Prevention

• Keep plants out of reach of children, pets and pet birds
• Do not consume wild berries unless positively identified as an edible species
• Wear gloves when handling the plant if you have sensitive skin

Treatment & Prognosis

• Decontamination of exposed areas, and gastrointestinal decontamination for recent ingestion cases
• Symptomatic care including mucosal protectants, analgesics, and antihistamines if required
• Supportive care for respiratory distress or severe gastrointestinal complications

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAmpelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv. (synonyms: Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata, Cissus brevipedunculata, Vitis brevipedunculata)

AliasesCreeper、Wild grape、Porcelainberry、Ussuri false vine、Blue-fruited virgin vine

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Oral cavityPharynxLarynxGastrointestinal tractRespiratory tract

Mechanism of Action

• Calcium oxalate crystals and oxalic acid irritate mucosal membranes of the mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract on contact

• Mucosal irritation leads to edema, pain and associated gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Birds: Severely toxic; ingestion of even small amounts of plant material, especially berries, can cause fatal symptoms

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common grape vine Vitis vinifera

Visually similar due to shared lobed leaf shape and grape-like berry structure; key difference: common grape produces edible berries, while porcelain berry berries are toxic

Parthenocissus species (Virginia creeper, Boston ivy) Parthenocissus sp.

Similar trailing/creeper growth habit and leaf shape; key difference: Parthenocissus berries lack the characteristic glossy, multi-hued porcelain-like sheen of porcelain berry

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Related Toxic Plants

Virginia creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Low to moderate toxicity

Boston ivy

Parthenocissus tricuspidata

Low toxicity

Monkshood vine

Ampelopsis aconitifolia

Moderate toxicity

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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