Pilea Mucosa Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 3,433 found this helpful

Pilea microphylla is confirmed non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per official ASPCA toxicology data

No harmful toxic active compounds have been recorded for this species in registered plant toxicity databases

Accidental ingestion by common domestic pets or livestock is not expected to cause adverse health effects

FAQ

Is Pilea Mucosa toxic to Humans?

No expected adverse symptoms from minor incidental ingestion; very rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with excessive consumption (Non-toxic)

Is Pilea Mucosa toxic to Cats?

No known toxic symptoms associated with ingestion or contact per ASPCA assessments (Non-toxic)

Is Pilea Mucosa toxic to Dogs?

No known toxic symptoms associated with ingestion or contact per ASPCA assessments (Non-toxic)

Is Pilea Mucosa toxic to Horses?

No known toxic symptoms associated with ingestion or contact per ASPCA assessments (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No expected adverse symptoms from minor incidental ingestion; very rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with excessive consumption

Cats

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms associated with ingestion or contact per ASPCA assessments

Dogs

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms associated with ingestion or contact per ASPCA assessments

Horses

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms associated with ingestion or contact per ASPCA assessments

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo parts of this plant are considered toxic to humans or common domestic pets and livestock

Exposure RouteNo toxic exposure routes identified; incidental contact or ingestion poses no significant health risk

Toxic CompoundsNo confirmed toxic principles identified per ASPCA toxicology evaluations

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water to remove any residual plant matter if ingested
• Wipe any plant sap off skin to avoid rare mild non-toxic irritation in sensitive individuals
• Monitor for unusual mild gastrointestinal discomfort in the hours after large volume ingestion

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet exhibits persistent unusual symptoms after consuming a very large amount of the plant
• If you cannot confirm the ingested plant is correctly identified as Pilea microphylla
• If your pet has pre-existing severe gastrointestinal sensitivities or other serious health conditions

Prevention

• No special toxicity-related prevention required; you may keep it out of reach of over-chewing pets only to avoid plant damage
• Confirm all houseplant identifications if you keep other potentially toxic species in the same space
• Store plant care products used on this species separately, as they may be toxic even if the plant itself is not

Treatment & Prognosis

• No specific medical treatment is required for incidental exposure to this non-toxic plant
• Provide small amounts of fresh water to ease rare mild gastrointestinal discomfort if it occurs
• Seek medical/vet care only if persistent unusual symptoms develop, to rule out other unrelated causes

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePilea microphylla

AliasesArtillery Plant

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are at risk of damage from exposure to this non-toxic species

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism identified, as the plant contains no confirmed harmful compounds for humans or common domestic animals

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No recorded toxic effects; small amounts can be safely consumed as part of a varied diet

Pet and wild birds: No known toxic risk; incidental nibbling of foliage is not expected to cause any harm

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): Classified as non-toxic; no adverse effects have been reported from grazing on this species

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Baby's Tears Soleirolia soleirolii

Has similarly tiny bright green rounded leaves and low spreading growth habit; differs by lacking the artillery plant's characteristic explosive mature pollen release and having softer, more delicate foliage

Creeping Jenny Lysimachia nummularia

Has small rounded green leaves and trailing growth habit similar to Pilea microphylla; differs by having larger thicker leaves and bright yellow flowers when in bloom, unlike the artillery plant's tiny green flowers

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Related Toxic Plants

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Low to moderate toxicity; contact causes painful skin irritation, ingestion leads to mild gastrointestinal upset

Gympie-Gympie Stinging Tree

Dendrocnide moroides

Severe toxicity; contact causes extreme long-lasting pain, systemic reactions may occur in severe cases

Canada Wood Nettle

Laportea canadensis

Low toxicity; contact causes temporary stinging, redness and itching of exposed skin

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.