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
Bristly Greenbrier
Smilax hispida
Bristly Greenbrier is a woody, climbing vine native to North America, often found in thickets and woodlands. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Bristly GreenbrierHairy GreenbrierSmilax hispida
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Habit
- Climbing vine
- 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 vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Bristly Greenbrieris 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 Bristly Greenbrier is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Smilax hispida is a native woody vine known for its prickly stems and dark blue-black berries.
Questions about Bristly Greenbrier
Is Bristly Greenbrier toxic to cats?
Bristly Greenbrier (Smilax hispida) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning if your cat chews on or ingests part of the plant.
What happens if my cat eats Bristly Greenbrier?
No toxic symptoms are expected, but ingesting large amounts of the plant's fibrous material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the bulk and texture of the vine rather than any toxic compounds.
What should I do if my cat ate a lot of Bristly Greenbrier?
Because the plant is non-toxic, a small nibble is unlikely to require any action. If your cat consumed a significant amount and is showing signs of GI distress like repeated vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian.
Does the fibrous texture of Bristly Greenbrier pose any risk to cats?
The main concern with large ingestions is digestive irritation from the plant's fibrous, woody material rather than chemical toxicity. Non-toxic does not mean unlimited safe consumption — large quantities of any fibrous plant matter can upset a cat's stomach.
Is Bristly Greenbrier toxic to dogs?
Bristly Greenbrier (Smilax hispida) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning if your dog chews or eats part of the plant.
What happens if a dog eats Bristly Greenbrier?
No toxic symptoms are expected from Bristly Greenbrier. However, because it is a fibrous woody vine, ingesting a large amount of plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea from the bulk and roughage alone.
My dog ate a bunch of Bristly Greenbrier — should I call the vet?
A small nibble is unlikely to cause any problem. If your dog ate a significant quantity and is showing signs of GI distress such as repeated vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, call your veterinarian. Because this plant is non-toxic, a full poison-control call is usually unnecessary, but your vet can advise on managing any digestive upset.
What part of Bristly Greenbrier is harmful to dogs?
No part of Bristly Greenbrier is considered toxic to dogs. The main concern with any part of this woody climbing vine is purely mechanical — the fibrous stems and leaves can irritate the digestive tract if eaten in large quantities, but this is a bulk/fiber effect, not a toxic one.
Same genus
More from the Smilax genus
Bamboo Vine
Smilax laurifolia
Smilax laurifolia is a woody, climbing vine known for its tough, leathery leaves and thorny stems. While generally considered safe for pets, its fibrous nature can occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Bullbrier
Smilax rotundifolia
Bullbrier is a hardy, woody vine native to North America, often recognized by its prickly stems and rounded leaves. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cat Brier
Smilax glabra
Cat Brier is a hardy, woody vine known for its tough stems and foliage. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Greenbrier
Smilax sp.
Greenbrier is a genus of woody, often thorny vines known for their resilience and climbing habit. While generally considered safe for pets, the fibrous nature of the plant can cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats.
Not yet rated for dogs.
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