Rabbit's Foot Fern — (c) Eric Knight, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eric Knight
Photo by (c) Eric Knight, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eric KnightiNaturalistCC BY
dog safety reference

Is Rabbit's Foot Fern safe for dogs?

Davallia spp.

Also known as Davallia fejeensis

Ball ferns are popular, non-toxic houseplants known for their fuzzy, creeping rhizomes that resemble rabbit feet. They are generally safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.

Ball FernDainty Rabbits-Foot FernDavalliaDavallia fejeensisDavallia spp.Rabbit's Foot FernSquirrel's Foot Fern
Light
Bright indirect light
Habit
Epiphytic, creeping rhizomes
Care
Moderate

Safety status

Dogs

Generally safe

Consulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

What this means for your dog

Dogs can be around rabbit's foot fern safely — ASPCA lists Davallia spp. as non-toxic to dogs with no toxic principle. The fuzzy rhizomes look chewable but aren't poisonous, even if a fronds-and-fur snack briefly upsets a dog's stomach.

Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

None expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous foliage may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.

Escalation note

This plant is considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.

Bring it home

Rabbit's Foot Fernis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.

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Source evidence

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