Asian Ponysfoot Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 3,437 found this helpful

No confirmed animal poisoning cases for Dichondra micrantha are recorded in published research.

The plant is not suitable for use as feed for any pets, livestock or equines.

It is visually similar to both non-toxic Centella asiatica and toxic Glechoma hederacea.

FAQ

Is Asian Ponysfoot toxic to Humans?

No specific poisoning symptoms reported to date. Seek medical care immediately if adverse reactions occur after ingestion. (Non-toxic)

Is Asian Ponysfoot toxic to Cats?

No specific poisoning symptoms reported to date. Contact a veterinarian immediately if unusual behavior is observed after ingestion. (Non-toxic)

Is Asian Ponysfoot toxic to Dogs?

No specific poisoning symptoms reported to date. Contact a veterinarian immediately if unusual behavior is observed after ingestion. (Non-toxic)

Is Asian Ponysfoot toxic to Horses?

No specific poisoning symptoms reported to date. Contact an equine veterinarian immediately if unusual behavior is observed after ingestion. (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No specific poisoning symptoms reported to date. Seek medical care immediately if adverse reactions occur after ingestion.

Cats

Non-toxic

No specific poisoning symptoms reported to date. Contact a veterinarian immediately if unusual behavior is observed after ingestion.

Dogs

Non-toxic

No specific poisoning symptoms reported to date. Contact a veterinarian immediately if unusual behavior is observed after ingestion.

Horses

Non-toxic

No specific poisoning symptoms reported to date. Contact an equine veterinarian immediately if unusual behavior is observed after ingestion.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo specific toxic parts formally identified, as no animal poisoning cases have been documented; the entire plant is unsuitable for use as animal feed.

Exposure RouteIngestion is the only known potential exposure route; no adverse skin contact effects have been reported.

Toxic CompoundsNo specific toxic compounds have been isolated or identified for this species in published research to date.

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse the mouth of the exposed animal/human with clean cool water immediately after ingestion.
• Remove all remaining plant material from the reach of animals/humans to prevent further consumption.
• Monitor the exposed individual closely for unusual behavior, vomiting or digestive distress for 24 hours post-exposure.

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the exposed animal shows signs of vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite or digestive distress after ingestion.
• If a large quantity of the plant was consumed by a small pet (cat, small dog breed) or young foal.
• If you cannot confirm if the ingested plant is Dichondra micrantha or its toxic lookalike Glechoma hederacea.

Prevention

• Do not plant Dichondra micrantha in areas accessible to grazing livestock or free-roaming pets.
• Learn to distinguish this species from its toxic lookalike Glechoma hederacea to avoid accidental exposure risks.
• Never include this plant in any feed mix for pets or livestock of any species.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care as directed by a medical professional or veterinarian based on presented symptoms.
• Decontamination measures (induced vomiting, activated charcoal) may be recommended for recent ingestion of large quantities.
• Symptomatic treatment for any observed digestive or systemic adverse reactions.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameDichondra micrantha Urb.

AliasesDichondra repens var. micrantha (Urban) Lu、Kriechende Dichondra、Kleinblütige Zweikornwinde、Dichondra à petites fleurs、Dicondra a piccoli fiori

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific target organs identified for this species

Mechanism of Action

• No specific toxic mechanism has been identified for this species, as no poisoning cases have been documented to date

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No poisoning cases reported, but the plant is not recommended for use as a feed source for any livestock species

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No documented toxicity, but consumption is not advised due to lack of formal safety research

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Asiatic Pennywort Centella asiatica

Visually similar due to small rounded kidney-shaped leaves; this species is non-toxic, and can be distinguished by its thicker succulent leaves and umbrella-shaped flower clusters.

Ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea

Visually similar low-growing plant with rounded leaves; this species is toxic, and can be distinguished by its purple tubular flowers and distinct minty scent when leaves are crushed.

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Related Toxic Plants

Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine

Ipomoea batatas

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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.