Creeping Fig Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 806 found this helpful

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

Mild exposure typically causes vomiting and diarrhea, while large ingestions may lead to seizures and paralysis.

Treatment relies on decontamination and supportive symptomatic care for affected individuals or animals.

FAQ

Is Creeping Fig toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, diarrhea; seizures and paralysis are possible if large quantities of the plant are ingested (Low)

Is Creeping Fig toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea; potential seizures and paralysis with large ingestion, consistent with general Ficus species toxicity profiles (Low)

Is Creeping Fig toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea; potential seizures and paralysis with large ingestion, consistent with general Ficus species toxicity profiles (Low)

Is Creeping Fig toxic to Horses?

Diarrhea, colic; potential neurological effects including seizures and paralysis with large ingestion (vomiting is very rare in horses) (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea; seizures and paralysis are possible if large quantities of the plant are ingested

Cats

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea; potential seizures and paralysis with large ingestion, consistent with general Ficus species toxicity profiles

Dogs

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea; potential seizures and paralysis with large ingestion, consistent with general Ficus species toxicity profiles

Horses

Low

Diarrhea, colic; potential neurological effects including seizures and paralysis with large ingestion (vomiting is very rare in horses)

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll parts of the plant

Exposure RouteIngestion of plant material; dermal contact with sap may cause mild skin irritation

Toxic CompoundsTriterpenes; Ficin A; Ficin B; Ficin C; Ficin D1; Ficin D2

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed person or pet immediately.
• Rinse mouth with clean water, and offer small sips of water to dilute ingested toxins if the individual is alert.
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a medical professional or veterinarian.

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your cat, dog, horse or other pet has ingested any amount of creeping fig.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures or other abnormal symptoms develop after exposure.
• A large quantity of the plant has been ingested by any individual, human or animal.

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of young children and household pets.
• Wear disposable gloves when pruning or handling the plant to avoid contact with irritant sap.
• Clearly label the plant to prevent accidental ingestion by unfamiliar people or pet sitters.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer decontamination measures such as activated charcoal if ingestion occurred within the prior 2 hours.
• Provide supportive symptomatic care including anti-emetics for vomiting and fluid therapy for dehydration from diarrhea.
• Monitor for neurological symptoms including seizures, and administer appropriate anti-convulsant care if needed.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameFicus pumila L.

AliasesFicus repens Rottler、Climbing fig、Kletterfeige、Fico rampicante

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractNervous systemSkin (on direct sap contact)

Mechanism of Action

• Ficin proteases irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

• High doses of triterpene compounds disrupt normal nervous system function, causing seizures and paralysis.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Low risk of gastrointestinal upset following small ingestion; high doses may cause neurological symptoms including lethargy and paralysis.

Pet birds: Mild gastrointestinal irritation including regurgitation and loose droppings reported after ingestion of Ficus plant material.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Weeping fig Ficus benjamina

Young creeping fig leaves closely match weeping fig leaf shape; weeping fig grows as an upright tree, while creeping fig is a low vining/climbing plant.

Common edible fig Ficus carica

Both share characteristic Ficus leaf and stem morphology; common fig produces large edible fruit, while creeping fig produces small, non-edible fruit.

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Related Toxic Plants

Weeping fig

Ficus benjamina

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.