Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted 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.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Artillery Plant
Pilea microphylla
The Artillery Plant is a small, fern-like succulent known for its tiny leaves and unique habit of releasing pollen in small puffs. It is generally considered safe for households with pets.
Artillery PlantGunpowder PlantPilea microphylla
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Spreading or mounding
- Care
- Low to moderate
Safety status
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.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None expected from normal interaction; however, large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your cat consumes a large amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian as a precaution.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected from normal interaction; however, large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your dog consumes a large amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian as a precaution.
Bring it home
Artillery Plantis 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
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
The Artillery Plant is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Pilea microphylla is a small, succulent-like plant often used as a houseplant or groundcover in warm climates.
Questions about Artillery Plant
Is the Artillery Plant toxic to cats?
No, the Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla) is non-toxic to cats. It is generally considered safe for households with feline companions.
What happens if my cat eats an Artillery Plant?
No toxic effects are expected from normal interaction or small nibbles. Large ingestions of the fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea, but serious harm is not anticipated.
Should I call the vet if my cat ate a lot of Artillery Plant?
If your cat consumed a large amount and is showing signs of distress — persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy — contact your veterinarian as a precaution. The plant itself is non-toxic, but GI irritation from eating significant quantities of plant matter warrants monitoring.
What part of the Artillery Plant could bother my cat?
No part of the Artillery Plant is toxic to cats. The main concern is the fibrous plant material, which in large quantities can irritate the digestive tract and cause temporary GI upset — the same mild risk posed by many non-toxic houseplants.
Is the Artillery Plant toxic to dogs?
No, the Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla) is non-toxic to dogs. It is generally considered safe for households with dogs, with a high confidence rating based on ASPCA provenance data.
What happens if my dog eats an Artillery Plant?
No toxic effects are expected from normal interaction or small ingestions. If your dog eats a large amount of the fibrous plant material, mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk of plant matter, not any toxic compounds.
What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of Artillery Plant?
Non-toxic does not mean unlimited quantities are harmless — a large ingestion of any fibrous plant material can cause GI upset. Monitor your dog for vomiting or diarrhea, and contact your veterinarian as a precaution if symptoms appear or your dog seems distressed.
Does the Artillery Plant's pollen puffing pose any risk to dogs?
The plant's characteristic pollen release is not documented as a hazard for dogs. The plant is classified as non-toxic, and no symptoms are expected from normal interaction including contact with pollen.
Often compared with
Same genus
More from the Pilea genus
Friendship Plant
Pilea involucrata
The Friendship Plant is a popular, low-maintenance houseplant known for its textured, deeply veined leaves and trailing growth habit. It is considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Not yet rated for cats.
Generally safe for dogs.
Clearweed
Pilea pumila
Clearweed is a tender, herbaceous annual plant often found in moist, shaded environments. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Calathea
Calathea spp.
Calathea are popular tropical houseplants known for their striking, patterned foliage and rhythmic leaf movement. They are considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Dwarf Date Palm
Phoenix acaulis
The Dwarf Date Palm is a slow-growing, stemless palm species native to the grasslands of India. It is widely appreciated for its compact, architectural foliage that mimics the appearance of larger date palms in a miniature form.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Hanging Lobster Claw
Heliconia rostrata
Heliconia rostrata is a tropical perennial known for its dramatic, pendulous inflorescences. While generally considered non-toxic to pets, ingestion of any plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
