Long-leaf Fig Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 4,416 found this helpful

All parts of the plant are toxic, containing triterpenes and ficin proteases common to all Ficus species

Ingestion typically causes vomiting and diarrhea, with seizures and paralysis possible if large quantities are consumed

Treatment focuses on decontamination and symptomatic care, with full recovery expected for most mild exposures

FAQ

Is Long-leaf Fig toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, diarrhea; seizures and paralysis may occur if large quantities of the plant are consumed (Low)

Is Long-leaf Fig toxic to Cats?

Expected to cause vomiting and diarrhea with ingestion; seizures or paralysis are possible if large amounts are eaten (Low)

Is Long-leaf Fig toxic to Dogs?

Expected to cause vomiting and diarrhea with ingestion; seizures or paralysis are possible if large amounts are eaten (Low)

Is Long-leaf Fig toxic to Horses?

Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress including colic and diarrhea; neurological effects are possible with consumption of large volumes of plant material (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea; seizures and paralysis may occur if large quantities of the plant are consumed

Cats

Low

Expected to cause vomiting and diarrhea with ingestion; seizures or paralysis are possible if large amounts are eaten

Dogs

Low

Expected to cause vomiting and diarrhea with ingestion; seizures or paralysis are possible if large amounts are eaten

Horses

Low

Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress including colic and diarrhea; neurological effects are possible with consumption of large volumes of plant material

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary high-risk route; skin contact with sap may cause mild localized irritation

Toxic CompoundsTriterpenes; Ficin (protease isoforms A, B, C, D1, D2)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water immediately after ingestion to remove residual plant matter
• Wash affected skin with mild soap and cool water right away if exposed to plant sap
• Collect any remaining plant material to show to medical or veterinary staff for identification

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet has ingested any amount of the plant and exhibits vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
• Your pet has eaten more than a small bite of the plant, even if no symptoms are yet present
• Your horse has access to and has grazed on large quantities of the plant

Prevention

• Place the plant out of reach of children, pets, and grazing livestock
• Wear protective gloves when pruning or handling the plant to avoid contact with irritant sap
• Clearly label the plant to prevent accidental ingestion by household members or stable staff

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer gastrointestinal decontamination (e.g., activated charcoal) for recent large ingestions as directed by a professional
• Provide symptomatic care including anti-emetics for vomiting and fluid therapy to prevent dehydration from diarrhea
• Monitor patients for neurological symptoms (seizures, paralysis) and provide supportive care if these effects develop

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameFicus binnendijkii

AliasesFicus alii、Ficus longifolia、Ficus macleilandii、Langblättriger Feigenbaum (German)、Oleanderfeige (German)、Ficus à feuilles de sabre (French)

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractNervous system (high exposure doses only)

Mechanism of Action

• Irritant ficin proteases damage gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to vomiting and diarrhea

• High doses of triterpene compounds may cause neurotoxicity, resulting in seizures and paralysis

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Ingestion may cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, dehydration, and neurological effects at high doses due to their small body size

Pet birds: Ingestion of even small amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset; larger doses can lead to systemic toxicity and neurological symptoms

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Weeping Fig Ficus benjamina

Both are common ornamental Ficus species with glossy green leaves; Ficus benjamina has smaller, more tapered leaves than long-leaf fig

Common Edible Fig Ficus carica

Both are members of the Ficus genus; Ficus carica produces edible fruit and has broader, lobed leaves compared to the narrow, unlobed leaves of long-leaf fig

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Related Toxic Plants

Low to 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.