Coral bead plant Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 4,410 found this helpful

No published records of animal or human poisoning events linked to Nertera granadensis exist to date.

All parts of the plant are explicitly not recommended for use as feed for any livestock or companion animals.

It is often visually confused with the non-toxic Soleirolia soleirolii (baby's tears) plant.

FAQ

Is Coral bead plant toxic to Humans?

No specific poisoning symptoms documented. If ingestion occurs, monitor for nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea and seek medical care if symptoms persist. (Non-toxic)

Is Coral bead plant toxic to Cats?

No feline-specific poisoning symptoms documented. Monitor for unusual behavior, vomiting, or appetite loss after ingestion, contact a vet if concerns arise. (Non-toxic)

Is Coral bead plant toxic to Dogs?

No canine-specific poisoning symptoms documented. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy post-ingestion, contact a vet if signs worsen. (Non-toxic)

Is Coral bead plant toxic to Horses?

No equine-specific poisoning symptoms documented. The plant is not suitable as feed; contact an equine vet if ingestion leads to unusual health changes. (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No specific poisoning symptoms documented. If ingestion occurs, monitor for nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea and seek medical care if symptoms persist.

Cats

Non-toxic

No feline-specific poisoning symptoms documented. Monitor for unusual behavior, vomiting, or appetite loss after ingestion, contact a vet if concerns arise.

Dogs

Non-toxic

No canine-specific poisoning symptoms documented. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy post-ingestion, contact a vet if signs worsen.

Horses

Non-toxic

No equine-specific poisoning symptoms documented. The plant is not suitable as feed; contact an equine vet if ingestion leads to unusual health changes.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo specific toxic plant parts have been formally identified; no poisoning cases are documented, but all plant parts are unsuitable for animal or human consumption.

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is accidental ingestion of leaves, stems, or berries; dermal contact is not associated with known adverse effects.

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic or pharmacologically active compounds specific to this species have been documented in available peer-reviewed literature.

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed individual/animal.
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean, cool water to flush out residual plant debris.
• Document the amount ingested and monitor for early signs of gastrointestinal upset for 1-2 hours post-exposure.

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your companion animal ingests large quantities of the plant and develops persistent unusual symptoms.
• If severe vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite occurs after suspected ingestion.
• If you cannot confirm the plant identity and suspect it may be a toxic lookalike species.

Prevention

• Keep potted specimens out of reach of small children, cats, dogs, and other companion animals to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Learn to distinguish this plant from the visually similar non-toxic Soleirolia soleirolii (baby's tears) to avoid misidentification.
• Never feed any part of this plant to livestock, horses, or small herbivorous companion animals.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care as the primary intervention if adverse effects develop after ingestion.
• Administer gastrointestinal protectants and anti-emetics per guidance from a licensed medical provider or veterinarian.
• Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration if vomiting or diarrhea occurs.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameNertera granadensis (Mutis ex L.f.) Druce

AliasesNertera depressa Banks & Sol. ex Gaertn.、Gomozia granadensis Mutis ex L.f.、Pin-cushion plant、Coral moss、English baby tears、Korallenbeere、Korallenmoos、Baie de corail、Nertère de Grenade、Pianta di perline di corallo、Pianta a cuscino di spillo、Muschio di corallo、Lacrime di bambino inglese

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific target organs of toxicity have been identified for this species.

Mechanism of Action

• No specific toxicity mechanism has been characterized, as no confirmed poisoning events linked to this species have been reported in scientific literature.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

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

Small herbivorous companion animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No safety data exists for these species; avoid feeding the plant to prevent unknown adverse effects

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Baby's tears Soleirolia soleirolii

Both are low-growing, dense mat-forming ornamental plants. The key distinguishing feature is that Nertera granadensis produces distinctive bright orange-red bead-like berries, which Soleirolia soleirolii does not bear.

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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.