White Edged Swedish Ivy Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,214 found this helpful

Plectranthus australis is classified as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per available toxicology data

Accidental small-volume ingestion of this plant typically causes no harmful symptoms in common domestic animals

The species belongs to the Lamiaceae family, distinct from morphologically similar Pilea species in the Urticaceae family

FAQ

Is White Edged Swedish Ivy toxic to Humans?

No reported toxic symptoms; mild, transient gastrointestinal upset may occur in extremely rare cases of large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is White Edged Swedish Ivy toxic to Cats?

No documented toxic symptoms; mild, self-resolving stomach upset may occur only if very large quantities are consumed (Non-toxic)

Is White Edged Swedish Ivy toxic to Dogs?

No documented toxic symptoms; mild, self-resolving stomach upset may occur only if very large quantities are consumed (Non-toxic)

Is White Edged Swedish Ivy toxic to Horses?

No documented toxic symptoms; mild, transient gastrointestinal discomfort may occur only with excessive ingestion (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No reported toxic symptoms; mild, transient gastrointestinal upset may occur in extremely rare cases of large ingestion

Cats

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms; mild, self-resolving stomach upset may occur only if very large quantities are consumed

Dogs

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms; mild, self-resolving stomach upset may occur only if very large quantities are consumed

Horses

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms; mild, transient gastrointestinal discomfort may occur only with excessive ingestion

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo identified toxic plant parts; all plant components are considered non-harmful in typical exposure amounts

Exposure RouteIngestion is the only potential exposure route; no dermal or inhalation toxicity is reported

Toxic CompoundsNo identified toxic phytochemicals associated with this species

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water to remove any remaining plant material
• Monitor for 1-2 hours for any signs of mild gastrointestinal discomfort
• Offer small sips of water if minor throat irritation or nausea occurs

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet exhibits persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy lasting more than 2 hours after ingestion
• Your pet has consumed a very large volume of the plant alongside other potentially toxic substances
• Your pet has pre-existing chronic gastrointestinal conditions that may be exacerbated by plant ingestion

Prevention

• Keep all houseplants out of reach of young children and teething pets to avoid unnecessary ingestion events
• Clearly label houseplants to avoid misidentification of potentially toxic similar species
• Remove fallen leaves from floors regularly to prevent accidental consumption by curious animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care only, including fluid administration if mild dehydration occurs from transient gastrointestinal upset
• Symptomatic treatment for nausea or diarrhea if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours
• No specific antidote is required as no toxic agents are present in the plant

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePlectranthus australis

AliasesCreeping Charlie、Swedish Ivy

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs targeted by toxic compounds; no organ damage reported from exposure

Mechanism of Action

• No identified toxic mechanism, as the plant contains no known harmful phytochemicals that affect mammalian biological systems

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: No reported toxicity; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with excessive ingestion

Sheep: No documented toxic effects; no adverse reactions reported from typical grazing exposure

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No reported toxicity; safe for consumption in small amounts as part of a varied diet

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Aluminum Plant Pilea cadierei

Similar trailing growth habit and variegated foliage; key difference is Pilea cadierei has silvery metallic leaf patches and belongs to the Urticaceae family, while Plectranthus australis has soft, scalloped leaf edges and belongs to Lamiaceae

Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea

Shares the common alias 'Creeping Charlie' and has similar trailing growth; key difference is Glechoma hederacea is mildly toxic to livestock and has rounded, kidney-shaped leaves with crenated edges

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Related Toxic Plants

Pennyroyal

Mentha pulegium

Severe toxicity to humans, dogs and cats, can cause liver failure, seizures and death if ingested in large quantities

Beefsteak Plant

Perilla frutescens

High toxicity to cattle, horses and ruminants, can cause fatal respiratory distress

Diviner's Sage

Salvia divinorum

Moderate toxicity to humans and pets, may cause hallucinations, disorientation and gastrointestinal distress

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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.