Small cranberry Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 1,670 found this helpful

Vaccinium microcarpum (Rupr.) Schmalh.

No scientific evidence of toxicity for this species has been documented in available research literature.

Ripe fruits are safe for human consumption, but no parts of the plant are recommended for use as pet or livestock feed.

It can be confused with highly toxic bog rosemary, so positive identification is critical before consumption or exposure to animals.

FAQ

Is Small cranberry toxic to Humans?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported. If unusual gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms occur after ingestion, seek immediate medical care. (Non-toxic)

Is Small cranberry toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, contact a vet if symptoms persist. (Non-toxic)

Is Small cranberry toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, contact a vet if symptoms persist. (Non-toxic)

Is Small cranberry toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported. Monitor for gastrointestinal upset or reduced appetite, contact an equine vet if symptoms persist. (Non-toxic)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported. If unusual gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms occur after ingestion, seek immediate medical care.

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, contact a vet if symptoms persist.

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, contact a vet if symptoms persist.

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported. Monitor for gastrointestinal upset or reduced appetite, contact an equine vet if symptoms persist.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts confirmed; ripe fruits are edible for humans. No plant parts are recommended for animal feed.

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary potential exposure route for both humans and animals.

Toxic CompoundsNo specific toxic compounds associated with this species have been identified in published research.

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse the mouth of the exposed person or animal with clean water to remove remaining plant material.
• Note the exact quantity of plant ingested and take a photo of the plant for identification if needed.
• Monitor for any unusual symptoms for at least 24 hours following exposure.

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet or horse displays persistent vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or other unusual symptoms after ingestion.
• If you cannot confirm the plant's identity and suspect it may be a toxic lookalike species.
• If a large volume of non-fruit plant material was ingested by a small pet or foal.

Prevention

• Always fully identify the plant before consuming any parts or allowing pets/livestock access to growth areas.
• Keep confirmed toxic lookalike plants out of reach of pets and away from livestock grazing areas.
• Avoid feeding any unprocessed parts of this plant to pets or farm animals as feed.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care including fluid replacement and anti-emetics may be given to treat mild gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Activated charcoal may be administered if ingestion of a toxic lookalike is confirmed within 2 hours of exposure.
• Follow all treatment directions provided by a licensed medical or veterinary professional based on presented symptoms.

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameVaccinium microcarpum (Rupr.) Schmalh.

AliasesOxycoccus microcarpus Rupr.、Small bog cranberry、Kleinfrüchtige Moosbeere、Canneberge à petits fruits、Mirtillo minore

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific organ toxicity has been reported for this species

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism has been identified for this species, as no confirmed toxicity events have been documented.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, goats: Presumed non-toxic, but feeding large quantities is not recommended due to limited safety data.

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No toxicity data available; avoid feeding this plant as part of regular diet to prevent unknown adverse effects.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Vaccinium species Vaccinium spp.

Visually similar, generally non-toxic; differ from small cranberry in minor berry size and leaf shape variations.

Bog rosemary Andromeda polifolia

Highly toxic, grows in the same bog habitats; has narrower, evergreen leaves with rolled edges unlike small cranberry leaves.

Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Non-toxic visually similar species; has larger, leathery leaves compared to the smaller leaves of small cranberry.

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Andromeda polifolia

High toxicity

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

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.

View Full Plant Wiki