Artillery Plant — (c) Alexander Klink, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo by (c) Alexander Klink, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY
dog safety reference

Is Artillery Plant safe for dogs?

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

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 are also safe with Artillery Plant — NC State Extension lists Pilea microphylla as non-toxic to dogs (toxicity rating 0), and ASPCA agrees with no toxic principle on record. The plant's small leaves and trailing habit make it a low-risk pick for households where dogs roam freely.

Sources: NC State Extension, ASPCA.

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 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

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Pilea microphylla is a small, succulent-like plant often used as a houseplant or groundcover in warm climates.

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Questions about Artillery Plant

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.

Same dog verdict

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