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
Cinquefoil
Potentilla spp.
Cinquefoil is a diverse genus of flowering plants in the rose family, commonly found in gardens and wild meadows. While generally considered safe for pets, it is not intended for consumption.
Five-fingerPotentillaPotentilla spp.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Clumping or spreading
- Care
- Low
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; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian as a precaution.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian as a precaution.
Bring it home
Cinquefoilis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
Shop on AmazonSome links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Cinquefoil is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Potentilla
botanical · 94% reliability
A large genus of herbaceous plants and shrubs in the Rosaceae family.
Questions about Cinquefoil
Is cinquefoil toxic to cats?
Cinquefoil (Potentilla spp.) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is not listed as a toxic plant, and no harmful compounds specific to this genus are documented for feline exposure.
What happens if my cat eats cinquefoil?
Specific toxic symptoms are not expected. If your cat eats a significant 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 poisonous principle.
Do I need to call a vet if my cat chewed on a cinquefoil plant?
A small nibble is unlikely to require veterinary attention since cinquefoil is non-toxic. If your cat consumed a large quantity and shows signs of distress such as repeated vomiting or lethargy, contact your veterinarian as a precaution.
Does the species of Potentilla matter for cat safety?
Cinquefoil is a large genus with hundreds of species, and current classification data treats Potentilla spp. as generally safe without distinguishing individual species. No species within this genus are documented as toxic to cats, though this does not mean any species is appropriate for cats to eat freely.
Is cinquefoil toxic to dogs?
Cinquefoil (Potentilla spp.) is non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it does not contain compounds known to poison dogs.
What happens if a dog eats cinquefoil?
No toxic effects are expected. However, ingesting large amounts of fibrous plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea — a mechanical irritation rather than a poisoning.
My dog ate a bunch of cinquefoil from the garden — should I be worried?
A small nibble is not a concern. If your dog ate a significant quantity and is showing vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian as a precaution.
Is cinquefoil in the same family as any toxic plants?
Cinquefoil belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae), which includes some plants that can be harmful to dogs, but cinquefoil itself is considered non-toxic. Non-toxic does not mean it is beneficial for dogs to eat — keep consumption to a minimum to avoid GI upset from the fibrous plant material.
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
Plants for the same room
Feather Geranium
Ambrosia mexicana
Feather Geranium is an herbaceous plant known for its aromatic, fern-like foliage. It is considered toxic to pets if ingested and should be kept out of reach of cats and dogs.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Nasturtium is a popular, fast-growing annual known for its edible, peppery-flavored flowers and rounded leaves. It is widely considered safe for household pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause mild digestive upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Sweet Potato Vine
Ipomoea batatas
Sweet Potato Vine is a popular ornamental foliage plant known for its vibrant, trailing leaves. While generally considered safe for pets, it is best to prevent them from grazing on the foliage to avoid minor digestive discomfort.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Buttercup
Ranunculus spp.
Buttercups are flowering plants known for their bright, cup-shaped blooms, but they contain compounds that can cause irritation if ingested. They are generally considered toxic to household pets due to the presence of protoanemonin.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.