Mulberry Bush Greenbrier Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 3,475 found this helpful

Smilax sp.

Smilax sp. is verified non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by official ASPCA toxicology assessments

No toxic active principles or phytochemicals have been identified in this plant species

Accidental ingestion of small to moderate quantities poses no known toxic risk to common companion animals or livestock

FAQ

Is Mulberry Bush Greenbrier toxic to Humans?

No known toxic symptoms; ingestion of very large volumes may cause mild, non-toxic gastrointestinal upset (Non-toxic)

Is Mulberry Bush Greenbrier toxic to Cats?

No known toxic symptoms; excessive chewing/ingestion may lead to minor temporary digestive discomfort (Non-toxic)

Is Mulberry Bush Greenbrier toxic to Dogs?

No known toxic symptoms; large intake may trigger mild transient gastrointestinal irritation (Non-toxic)

Is Mulberry Bush Greenbrier toxic to Horses?

No known toxic symptoms; heavy grazing of large volumes may cause mild, non-harmful digestive upset (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms; ingestion of very large volumes may cause mild, non-toxic gastrointestinal upset

Cats

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms; excessive chewing/ingestion may lead to minor temporary digestive discomfort

Dogs

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms; large intake may trigger mild transient gastrointestinal irritation

Horses

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms; heavy grazing of large volumes may cause mild, non-harmful digestive upset

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo parts of this plant are known to be toxic; the entire species is classified safe for exposure

Exposure RouteNo toxic exposure routes confirmed; ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of plant matter poses no known toxic risk

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic phytochemicals identified in Smilax sp. per ASPCA toxicology reviews

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse any residual plant matter from the mouth of the exposed individual/animal to reduce minor irritation risk
• Monitor for 1-2 hours for unusual symptoms if very large quantities of the plant were ingested
• Collect any remaining plant material for identity confirmation if unexpected symptoms develop

Contact Vet Immediately

• Severe persistent vomiting or diarrhea occurs within 24 hours of ingestion
• The ingested plant is later confirmed to be a misidentified toxic lookalike species
• Unusual neurological or respiratory symptoms develop after exposure

Prevention

• Accurately identify all plants in living spaces and pastures to avoid confusion with toxic lookalike species
• Discourage excessive chewing of any landscape/house plants even if classified non-toxic
• Store confirmed toxic Liliaceae family plants out of reach of children, pets, and grazing livestock

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care only if mild gastrointestinal upset occurs after ingestion of large volumes
• No specific antidote is required as no toxic compounds are present in the species
• Administer small amounts of fresh water to reduce mild throat or mouth irritation if reported

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSmilax sp.

AliasesGreenbrier、Catbrier、Common Smilax

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are at risk of toxic damage from exposure to or ingestion of this species

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism of action identified, as the species contains no pharmacologically active harmful compounds for humans or common domestic animals

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: No reported toxic effects, safe for accidental grazing in pastures

Sheep and goats: No confirmed poisoning cases, ingestion of small to moderate volumes poses no risk

Domestic small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No verified toxic effects, safe as occasional forage supplement

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Poison Ivy Toxicodendron radicans

Both have climbing woody growth habits and glossy green foliage; key difference: Poison Ivy grows in 3-leaf clusters and causes severe contact dermatitis, while Greenbrier has thorny stems and alternate ovate leaves with no contact irritant properties

Roundleaf Greenbrier Smilax rotundifolia

Closely related congener in the Smilax genus, visually indistinguishable from general Smilax sp. specimens; all Smilax species are non-toxic, so misidentification carries no toxic risk

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Related Toxic Plants

Easter Lily

Lilium longiflorum

Severe toxicity for cats, low to moderate toxicity for dogs and horses

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

High toxicity for all species including humans, cats, dogs, and horses

Autumn Crocus

Colchicum autumnale

Severe, potentially fatal toxicity for all mammalian species

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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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