King of the Forest Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 3,953 found this helpful

Anoectuchilus setaceus

Classified as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, with no identified harmful toxic compounds

Toxicity to horses is currently unconfirmed, as no formal equine exposure studies have been published

Incidental ingestion of small quantities of this plant is not expected to cause adverse effects in household pets

FAQ

Is King of the Forest toxic to Humans?

No confirmed toxic effects reported; large ingestions may cause mild non-specific gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals (Non-toxic)

Is King of the Forest toxic to Cats?

No expected toxic symptoms from ingestion or skin contact per ASPCA non-toxic classification (Non-toxic)

Is King of the Forest toxic to Dogs?

No expected toxic symptoms from ingestion or skin contact per ASPCA non-toxic classification (Non-toxic)

Is King of the Forest toxic to Horses?

No confirmed symptom data available; effects of ingestion are currently unknown (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic effects reported; large ingestions may cause mild non-specific gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals

Cats

Non-toxic

No expected toxic symptoms from ingestion or skin contact per ASPCA non-toxic classification

Dogs

Non-toxic

No expected toxic symptoms from ingestion or skin contact per ASPCA non-toxic classification

Horses

Unknown

No confirmed symptom data available; effects of ingestion are currently unknown

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo plant parts are identified as toxic to cats or dogs; toxicity of all plant parts to horses is unconfirmed

Exposure RouteOral ingestion is the primary potential exposure route; no dermal toxicity risks have been reported

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic principles identified per ASPCA toxicity assessments

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If a pet ingests large amounts of the plant, rinse their mouth gently with clean tepid water
• Monitor the animal for 24 hours for mild non-toxic digestive discomfort like loose stool
• Offer small sips of fresh water to soothe minor throat irritation if large quantities were chewed

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet experiences persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy lasting over 24 hours post-ingestion
• If you cannot confirm the ingested plant is correctly identified as King of the Forest
• If a horse ingests large volumes of the plant, as equine toxicity is unconfirmed

Prevention

• Keep all houseplants out of reach of teething young pets to avoid unnecessary digestive upset from non-toxic plant matter
• Label household plants clearly to prevent confusion with toxic lookalike species
• Avoid introducing this plant to horse pastures until equine toxicity data is available

Treatment & Prognosis

• No specific treatment is required for incidental ingestion of small quantities of the plant
• Supportive care such as dietary rest and fluid administration can be given for mild digestive upset if it occurs
• No antidote is needed as no harmful toxic compounds are present in the plant

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAnoectuchilus setaceus

AliasesGolden Jewel Orchid

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

No target organs for toxic effects have been identified in cats or dogs

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism has been identified, as the plant contains no confirmed harmful principles for cats, dogs, or humans

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Domestic Rabbit: No confirmed toxicity data available; small incidental ingestions are unlikely to cause harm

Guinea Pig: No reported adverse effects from small ingestions; large quantities may cause mild digestive discomfort

Companion Parrot: No identified toxic risk; small amounts of foliage are considered safe for most pet bird species

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Downy Rattlesnake Plantain Goodyera pubescens

Both are low-growing terrestrial jewel orchids grown for variegated foliage. Key difference: Goodyera has broader leaves with thick white veins, while Anoectuchilus setaceus has fine golden variegation on delicate foliage.

Common Jewel Orchid Ludisia discolor

Both are marketed as jewel orchids for decorative foliage. Key difference: Ludisia discolor has dark maroon leaves with pink or white veins, while King of the Forest has light green leaves with bright golden markings.

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Related Toxic Plants

Yellow Lady's Slipper Orchid

Cypripedium parviflorum

Low (causes mild contact dermatitis and gastrointestinal upset if ingested)

Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid

Cypripedium reginae

Low (causes skin rashes and blistering in sensitive individuals on contact)

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

Severe (contains cardiotoxic compounds that can cause fatal heart arrhythmia in all species)

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

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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