Tu Fu-Ling Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 2,825 found this helpful

Smilax glabra

Tu Fu-Ling is classified as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per available toxicology data

No significant toxic risks are linked to common household, garden, or grazing exposure to this plant

Small accidental ingestion of this plant by pets or livestock does not require emergency intervention

FAQ

Is Tu Fu-Ling toxic to Humans?

No documented toxic symptoms from standard consumption; rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur after very large ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Tu Fu-Ling toxic to Cats?

No documented toxic symptoms from accidental ingestion; extremely rare mild transient digestive upset possible after large consumption (Non-toxic)

Is Tu Fu-Ling toxic to Dogs?

No documented toxic symptoms from accidental ingestion; extremely rare mild transient digestive upset possible after large consumption (Non-toxic)

Is Tu Fu-Ling toxic to Horses?

No documented toxic symptoms from grazing; extremely rare mild digestive upset possible after excessive consumption (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms from standard consumption; rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur after very large ingestion

Cats

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms from accidental ingestion; extremely rare mild transient digestive upset possible after large consumption

Dogs

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms from accidental ingestion; extremely rare mild transient digestive upset possible after large consumption

Horses

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms from grazing; extremely rare mild digestive upset possible after excessive consumption

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo parts of this plant are classified as toxic to common companion animals or livestock

Exposure RouteCommon exposure routes include accidental ingestion by pets, grazing by livestock, and incidental skin contact; no toxic risk from any exposure route

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic phytochemicals have been formally identified in this species in peer-reviewed toxicology studies

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse any remaining plant residue from the exposed animal's mouth with clean water
• Monitor the animal for 1 to 2 hours for any rare signs of mild gastrointestinal discomfort
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a licensed veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• The animal has consumed extremely large volumes of the plant and develops persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• The animal displays unusual lethargy, hives, or other signs of a potential allergic reaction
• You cannot confirm the ingested plant is Smilax glabra and suspect it may be a toxic lookalike

Prevention

• Confirm the identity of all house and garden plants to avoid mixing Tu Fu-Ling up with toxic lookalike species
• Supervise young or curious pets around new plant additions to your home or yard
• Verify forage plant identity before allowing livestock to graze in unknown, untested pastures

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care only, including unrestricted access to fresh drinking water
• Treat any rare mild allergic reactions with antihistamines per explicit veterinary guidance
• No specific antidote is required as no toxic effects are associated with this species

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSmilax glabra

AliasesCat Brier、China Root、Ti-hu-ling、Shiny Leaf Smilax

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organ systems are targeted by toxic effects from this plant

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic physiological mechanisms of action have been identified for this species

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Human: No toxic risk from typical culinary or medicinal use, very rare mild allergic reactions reported in sensitive individuals

Cattle: Considered non-toxic, no adverse effects reported from regular grazing

Sheep: Non-toxic, safe for consumption in normal grazing quantities

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Greenbrier Smilax rotundifolia

Shares the same woody vine growth form and glossy oval leaves as Smilax glabra; distinguished by its sharp dense thorns which are absent on smooth Smilax glabra stems

Lily of the Valley Convallaria majalis

Has similar shiny ovate leaves to young Smilax glabra plants; Lily of the Valley is highly toxic, and is distinguished by its small bell-shaped white flowers absent on non-flowering Smilax glabra

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Related Toxic Plants

Easter Lily

Lilium longiflorum

Severe toxicity, can cause fatal kidney failure in cats even in small doses

Tiger Lily

Lilium lancifolium

High toxicity, causes organ damage in cats and gastrointestinal distress in other mammals

Death Camas

Toxicoscordion venenosum

Severe toxicity to all mammals, can cause fatal neurological and cardiovascular damage if ingested

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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.

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