Trailing Iceplant Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 4,498 found this helpful

Delosperma cooperi is non-toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses with no documented poisoning cases as of 2022.

Despite its non-toxic status, the plant is not suitable for use as feed for any pets or livestock.

Visually similar related species from Delosperma, Faucaria, and Lampranthus genera are also confirmed non-toxic.

FAQ

Is Trailing Iceplant toxic to Humans?

No documented adverse symptoms; rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with very large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Trailing Iceplant toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild temporary digestive discomfort may occur after large quantity consumption (Non-toxic)

Is Trailing Iceplant toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild temporary digestive discomfort may occur after large quantity consumption (Non-toxic)

Is Trailing Iceplant toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild temporary digestive discomfort may occur after large quantity consumption (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No documented adverse symptoms; rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with very large ingestion

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild temporary digestive discomfort may occur after large quantity consumption

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild temporary digestive discomfort may occur after large quantity consumption

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported; mild temporary digestive discomfort may occur after large quantity consumption

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts identified; entire plant is non-toxic per 2022 Info Flora research, though not approved for use as feed

Exposure RouteIngestion is the only potential exposure route; dermal contact poses no known risk

Toxic Compounds

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water to remove any remaining plant residue
• Monitor for unusual gastrointestinal discomfort for 2 to 4 hours post-exposure
• Offer small sips of clean water if no signs of distress are observed

Contact Vet Immediately

• If pet or livestock exhibit persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after ingesting large amounts
• If you cannot confirm the plant's identity and suspect it may be a toxic lookalike species
• If the exposed individual has pre-existing health conditions that put them at higher risk

Prevention

• Restrict pet and livestock access to ornamental garden plants regardless of confirmed toxicity status
• Clearly label all garden plants to reduce risk of misidentification
• Store ornamental plants away from areas used for livestock feeding and grazing

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide only supportive care if mild digestive symptoms appear
• No specific antidote is required as no toxic effects are documented
• Consult a medical or veterinary provider for evaluation of persistent symptoms

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameDelosperma cooperi (Hook.) L.Bolus (syn. Mesembryanthemum cooperi Hook.)

AliasesHardy Iceplant、Pink Carpet、Cooper's Midday Flower、Red Midday Flower

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

Mechanism of Action

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No documented poisoning cases; not suitable as primary feed, may cause mild digestive upset if overconsumed

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No confirmed toxicity reported; avoid regular feeding due to lack of formal nutritional safety data

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Delosperma species Delosperma spp.

Visually similar trailing flowering succulents; all documented species in this genus are non-toxic

Tiger Jaws Faucaria spp.

Low-growing Aizoaceae family ornamental succulents; all known species are non-toxic

Vygie Lampranthus spp.

Bright flowering succulents with similar trailing growth habit; all recorded species are non-toxic

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Related Toxic Plants

Kanna

Sceletium tortuosum

Low toxicity: Causes mild psychoactive effects and gastrointestinal irritation with large ingestion

Hottentot Fig

Carpobrotus edulis

Low toxicity: Contains oxalates that trigger mild oral and digestive irritation in sensitive individuals

Crystalline Iceplant

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

Low toxicity: High salt and oxalate content can cause electrolyte imbalances in livestock if overconsumed

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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.