Cliff Brake Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,245 found this helpful

No confirmed toxicity to cats, dogs, or horses has been documented in published research

The species is not suitable for use as feed for any companion animal or livestock

There is a risk of misidentification with other Pellaea species that may have different toxicity profiles

FAQ

Is Cliff Brake toxic to Humans?

No documented adverse effects from small incidental ingestion; large consumption may cause mild temporary gastrointestinal upset (Non-toxic)

Is Cliff Brake toxic to Cats?

No reported toxic symptoms; mild digestive upset may occur if very large quantities are consumed (Non-toxic)

Is Cliff Brake toxic to Dogs?

No reported toxic symptoms; mild digestive upset may occur if very large quantities are consumed (Non-toxic)

Is Cliff Brake toxic to Horses?

No reported toxic symptoms; mild digestive upset may occur if very large quantities are consumed (Non-toxic)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No documented adverse effects from small incidental ingestion; large consumption may cause mild temporary gastrointestinal upset

Cats

Non-toxic

No reported toxic symptoms; mild digestive upset may occur if very large quantities are consumed

Dogs

Non-toxic

No reported toxic symptoms; mild digestive upset may occur if very large quantities are consumed

Horses

Non-toxic

No reported toxic symptoms; mild digestive upset may occur if very large quantities are consumed

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts identified; the species is presumed non-toxic per 1998 published botanical research, with no reported toxicity risks, though it is not approved for use as animal feed

Exposure RouteExposure routes include accidental ingestion and skin contact; no adverse reactions are reported for either route per available data

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic bioactive compounds associated with this species have been identified in published research

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining plant material
• Monitor for mild temporary gastrointestinal upset if large quantities were consumed
• Save any remaining plant material for identification if unusual symptoms develop

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet develops persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after ingesting large amounts of the plant
• If you cannot confirm the plant is Pellaea rotundifolia and suspect it may be a toxic related species

Prevention

• Keep houseplant cuttings out of reach of curious pets to avoid accidental ingestion
• Confirm accurate fern identification before allowing livestock to graze in areas where Pellaea species grow
• Label houseplants clearly to reduce misidentification risk for household members and caregivers

Treatment & Prognosis

• No specific treatment is required for small incidental ingestions in healthy individuals
• Provide supportive care (fluids, anti-emetics) if mild gastrointestinal symptoms occur after large ingestion
• Follow specific treatment guidelines if exposure to a toxic related species is confirmed

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePellaea rotundifolia

AliasesButton Fern、Green Cliff Brack、Cliff Break

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific organ damage linked to exposure to this species has been recorded

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism of action has been identified for this species, as no clinical toxicity cases have been reported

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No confirmed toxicity reported; large ingestions may cause mild digestive upset

Domestic birds: No adverse effects documented for small incidental ingestions; not suitable as a primary food source

Ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No confirmed toxic effects from small accidental ingestion; not approved for use as regular feed

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Pellaea species Pellaea spp.

Other Pellaea genus members may have varying toxicity profiles; Pellaea rotundifolia is distinguished by its small, round, button-like leaves compared to the narrower leaf shapes of related species

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Bracken Fern

Pteridium aquilinum

Moderate to Severe

Rock Fern

Cheilanthes sieberi

Moderate

Bird's Foot Cliffbrake

Pellaea mucronata

Low to Moderate

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

2. 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.