Trailing ice plant Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 3,518 found this helpful

Lampranthus spectabilis (Haw.) N.E.Br.

Contains alkaloid compounds but no confirmed human or animal poisoning cases are documented in scientific literature

The species is strictly not recommended as feed for any companion or livestock animal species

Many morphologically similar related species in the Aizoaceae family are non-toxic, posing identification risk

FAQ

Is Trailing ice plant toxic to Humans?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms reported; seek medical care if unusual gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms develop after ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Trailing ice plant toxic to Cats?

No confirmed cat poisoning symptoms reported; contact a veterinarian if lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea occurs after suspected ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Trailing ice plant toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed dog poisoning symptoms reported; contact a veterinarian if lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea occurs after suspected ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Trailing ice plant toxic to Horses?

No confirmed horse poisoning symptoms reported; contact a veterinarian if reduced appetite or gastrointestinal distress occurs after ingestion (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning symptoms reported; seek medical care if unusual gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms develop after ingestion

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed cat poisoning symptoms reported; contact a veterinarian if lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea occurs after suspected ingestion

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed dog poisoning symptoms reported; contact a veterinarian if lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea occurs after suspected ingestion

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed horse poisoning symptoms reported; contact a veterinarian if reduced appetite or gastrointestinal distress occurs after ingestion

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant tissue contains alkaloids; no specific toxic plant parts have been formally identified in published studies

Exposure RouteIngestion is the only suspected exposure route; no skin or contact irritation has been reported for this species

Toxic CompoundsAlkaloids

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining plant material after confirmed ingestion
• Monitor the exposed individual or animal for unusual symptoms for 24 hours post-exposure
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a medical professional or veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• If gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, or other unusual symptoms develop after confirmed or suspected ingestion
• If a large quantity of the plant is ingested by small companion animals or grazing livestock
• If the ingested plant is misidentified as a similar non-toxic edible Aizoaceae species

Prevention

• Do not plant trailing ice plant in areas accessible to grazing livestock or free-roaming companion animals
• Confirm plant identity with an expert before introducing any Aizoaceae succulents to animal enclosures or pastures
• Never harvest this species as supplemental feed for any animal type

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care targeted at any presenting symptoms (e.g. fluid therapy for gastrointestinal upset)
• Administer activated charcoal for decontamination if ingestion occurred within 2 hours of care presentation
• Provide symptomatic management for any observed adverse effects as required

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameLampranthus spectabilis (Haw.) N.E.Br.

AliasesKriechende Mittagsblume (German common name)、Ficoïde rouge (French common name)、Lampranthe rouge (French common name)、Raggio di sole (Italian common name)

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific target organs confirmed due to lack of reported adverse exposure events

Mechanism of Action

• Alkaloid content is the only suspected toxic agent, though no mechanism of toxicity is confirmed due to lack of recorded poisoning cases

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No poisoning cases reported, but the plant is explicitly not recommended as a feed source for all grazing species

Small companion herbivores (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No exposure data available; avoid feeding this species to small herbivores to prevent unknown adverse effects

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Lampranthus species Lampranthus spp.

Nearly identical in growth habit and appearance to Lampranthus spectabilis; most other species in the genus are confirmed non-toxic. Key difference: Leaf thickness and flower color vary between species, requiring expert identification to distinguish.

Hardy ice plant Delosperma spp.

Similar trailing succulent growth habit and bright daisy-like flowers; all Delosperma species are classified as non-toxic. Key difference: Delosperma produce seed capsules with visible covering membranes that are absent in Lampranthus.

Tiger jaws Faucaria spp.

Fleshy succulent in the same Aizoaceae family, often sold alongside other hardy landscape succulents; all Faucaria species are non-toxic. Key difference: Faucaria leaves have distinct triangular tooth-like projections absent in Lampranthus spectabilis.

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Related Toxic Plants

Kanna

Sceletium tortuosum

Low toxicity; may cause sedation, nausea, and dizziness if ingested in large quantities

Crystalline ice plant

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

Low toxicity; contains oxalates that can cause mild oral and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested

Livingstone daisy

Dorotheanthus bellidiformis

Low toxicity; contains small amounts of alkaloids that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals

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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.

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