Asparagus Fern Berries: Toxicity Risk for Children and Pets

A parent asked if the berries of asparagus fern (Asparagus sprengeri) are poisonous to small children.

Toxicity Level

The berries are mildly toxic. Ingestion can cause gastric upset: vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.

Any ingestion by a child should be taken seriously and medical advice sought immediately.

Ferns: Asparagus Fern Division: Tubers Worth a Try; Reviving a Struggling Asparagus Fern: Light, Water & Pest Solutions; Asparagus Fern Pruning: Hard Cutback Tolerated; Rescuing a Massive Asparagus Fern (Plumosus); Asparagus Fern Care: Sun, Pot-Bound, Watch for Mites; Propagating Asparagus Fern from Berries or Division; Managing Whiteflies on a Large Indoor Staghorn Fern: Chemical and Non-Chemical Options; Propagating Asparagus Fern by Division, Not Cuttings; Asparagus Fern: Cascading 'Fern' with Hidden Thorns and Red Berries; Asparagus Fern Root Nodules: Normal Water Storage, Not Disease

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