Cylindrical snake plant Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 1,429 found this helpful

All parts of the plant are toxic due to steroid saponin compounds including sansevierigenin

Ingestion may cause local mucous membrane irritation, sedation, and in dogs, ataxia and foaming at the mouth after large-quantity consumption

Treatment focuses on decontamination, symptomatic care, and optional mucous membrane protection

FAQ

Is Cylindrical snake plant toxic to Humans?

Local mucous membrane irritation, mild sedation if ingested; mild skin irritation possible from sap contact (Low)

Is Cylindrical snake plant toxic to Cats?

Potential oral/gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, lethargy consistent with saponin toxicity, no specific case reports documented (Low)

Is Cylindrical snake plant toxic to Dogs?

Oral irritation, sedation, ataxia, foaming at the mouth reported after ingestion of an entire plant (Low)

Is Cylindrical snake plant toxic to Horses?

Potential gastrointestinal irritation and mild sedation if large amounts are ingested, no specific case reports documented (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Local mucous membrane irritation, mild sedation if ingested; mild skin irritation possible from sap contact

Cats

Low

Potential oral/gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, lethargy consistent with saponin toxicity, no specific case reports documented

Dogs

Low

Oral irritation, sedation, ataxia, foaming at the mouth reported after ingestion of an entire plant

Horses

Low

Potential gastrointestinal irritation and mild sedation if large amounts are ingested, no specific case reports documented

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant

Exposure RouteIngestion (primary exposure route), skin contact with plant sap (secondary route)

Toxic CompoundsSteroid saponins; Sansevierigenin

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water if plant matter is ingested to remove residual debris
• Wash affected skin with mild soap and water immediately if exposed to plant sap
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a medical or veterinary professional

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet has ingested more than a small bite of the plant
• Symptoms including ataxia, foaming at the mouth, persistent vomiting or lethargy appear after exposure
• The exposed individual has pre-existing mucous membrane conditions or known saponin allergies

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children, cats, dogs, and horses
• Wear disposable gloves when pruning or handling the plant to avoid sap contact
• Label the plant clearly to prevent accidental ingestion by household members or caregivers

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer decontamination measures such as activated charcoal for recent, large-quantity ingestion
• Provide symptomatic care for irritation or neurological symptoms as they arise
• Prescribe mucous membrane protective agents if oral or gastrointestinal irritation is confirmed

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSansevieria cylindrica Bojer ex Hook.

AliasesAfrican spear、Spear sansevieria、Sansevière à feuilles cylindriques (French)、Blumen-Senf Bogenhanf (German)

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Oral mucous membranesGastrointestinal tractCentral nervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Steroid saponins in plant tissue cause local irritation to mucous membranes on contact or ingestion

• Systemic absorption of saponins may lead to mild sedative effects and neurological symptoms in sensitive species

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Dog: Confirmed cases of ataxia, foaming at the mouth, sedation and oral irritation after ingestion of an entire plant

Cat: No confirmed case reports, expected to cause mild gastrointestinal distress and lethargy if ingested

Horse: No confirmed case reports, expected to cause oral irritation and mild gastrointestinal upset if large quantities are consumed

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Sansevieria species Sansevieria spp.

Similar leaf texture and growth habit; key difference is most other Sansevieria have flat, broad leaves rather than cylindrical foliage; all Sansevieria have low toxicity

Upright Euphorbia species Euphorbia spp.

Similar tall, narrow upright growth form; key difference is Euphorbia exude thick white milky sap when cut, while Sansevieria have clear sap; Euphorbia species have high toxicity

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Related Toxic Plants

Asparagus fern

Asparagus setaceus

Low to moderate toxicity

Lily of the valley

Convallaria majalis

Severe toxicity

Dracaena

Dracaena spp.

Low to moderate toxicity

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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.