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
Jackson Brier
Smilax lanceolata
Jackson Brier is a woody, climbing vine known for its lance-shaped leaves and resilience. It is considered non-toxic to household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Jackson BrierLanceleaf GreenbrierSmilax lanceolata
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Habit
- Vining
- 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
The plant is non-toxic, but 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
The plant is non-toxic, but if your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Jackson Brieris 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
Jackson Brier is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Smilax lanceolata is a native vine often found in woodlands, valued for its evergreen foliage.
Questions about Jackson Brier
Is Jackson Brier toxic to cats?
No, Jackson Brier (Smilax lanceolata) is non-toxic to cats. It is considered generally safe, and no toxic principles have been documented for this plant.
What happens if my cat eats Jackson Brier?
No symptoms are expected from a small nibble. However, if your cat consumes a large amount of the plant's fibrous material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk of plant matter rather than any toxin.
Should I call the vet if my cat ate Jackson Brier?
A small amount is unlikely to require veterinary attention. If your cat ate a significant quantity and is showing signs of distress such as repeated vomiting or lethargy, contact your veterinarian.
Does 'non-toxic' mean Jackson Brier is safe for cats to eat freely?
Non-toxic means the plant contains no compounds known to poison cats, but it does not mean unrestricted eating is harmless. Large ingestions of fibrous plant material can cause GI upset like vomiting or diarrhea, so it is still best to discourage your cat from chewing on it.
Is Jackson Brier toxic to dogs?
No, Jackson Brier (Smilax lanceolata) is non-toxic to dogs. It is considered generally safe, with no toxic principles documented that would cause poisoning.
What happens if my dog eats Jackson Brier?
No harmful symptoms are expected, but the plant's fibrous, woody material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea if your dog eats a large amount. Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any reaction.
What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of Jackson Brier?
Because the plant is non-toxic, this is not a poisoning emergency, but significant ingestion of fibrous plant material can irritate the digestive tract. Monitor your dog for vomiting or diarrhea, and call your veterinarian if symptoms persist or your dog seems distressed.
Can Jackson Brier's fibrous vines cause problems for dogs beyond toxicity?
Yes — while the plant is non-toxic, its tough, fibrous stems and leaves are harder to digest than soft foliage. Large amounts could cause GI upset such as vomiting or diarrhea due to the physical bulk, not a chemical reaction.
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.
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.
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.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Acorn Squash
Cucurbita pepo
Acorn squash is a popular edible winter squash known for its ribbed, dark green skin and sweet, yellow-orange flesh. It is widely cultivated for culinary use and is considered safe for household pets.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Banana Squash
Cucurbita maxima var. banana
Banana squash is a large, edible winter squash variety known for its elongated shape and sweet, dense flesh. It is considered safe for household pets, though large ingestions of raw plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Bur Gourd
Cucumis anguria
Bur Gourd is a vining plant in the cucumber family known for its small, spiky, edible fruits. It is generally considered safe for household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Hemlock Tree
Tsuga species
Hemlock trees are coniferous evergreens often used in landscaping. While they are not considered toxic, ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort due to the fibrous nature of the needles.
Generally safe for cats.
Not yet rated for dogs.
Japanese Yew
Taxus sp.
Japanese Yew is an evergreen shrub or tree containing taxine alkaloids that are highly poisonous to most animals. All parts of the plant, including the needles and seeds, are considered toxic if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.