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
Red Berried Greenbrier
Smilax walteria
Red Berried Greenbrier is a woody, climbing vine native to the southeastern United States, often recognized by its clusters of bright red berries and thorny stems. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Coral GreenbrierSmilax walteriaWalter's Greenbrier
- 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 lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Red Berried 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
Red Berried Greenbrier is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Smilax walteria is a native, woody vine known for its red berries and is generally regarded as safe in the landscape.
Questions about Red Berried Greenbrier
Is Red Berried Greenbrier toxic to cats?
Red Berried Greenbrier (Smilax walteria) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm if your cat encounters or nibbles on it.
What happens if my cat eats Red Berried Greenbrier berries or leaves?
No toxic symptoms are expected, but ingesting a large amount of the plant's fibrous material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the physical bulk and texture rather than any chemical toxicity.
Should I be worried if my cat chewed on a Red Berried Greenbrier vine?
A small amount is unlikely to cause any problem. If your cat consumed a significant quantity and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Are the red berries on Greenbrier more dangerous to cats than the leaves or stems?
The classification data does not distinguish berry toxicity from the rest of the plant — the whole plant is considered generally safe for cats. That said, non-toxic does not mean beneficial to eat, and large ingestions of any plant material can cause GI upset; monitor your cat and call your vet if symptoms persist.
Is Red Berried Greenbrier toxic to dogs?
Red Berried Greenbrier (Smilax walteria) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning if your dog chews on the stems or berries.
What happens if my dog eats Red Berried Greenbrier berries?
No toxic symptoms are expected from eating Red Berried Greenbrier. If your dog consumes a large amount of the fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk and fiber content, not any toxic compounds.
My dog ate Red Berried Greenbrier — should I be worried?
A small amount is not a concern. Monitor your dog for any signs of GI upset such as vomiting or loose stools, which could occur if a significant quantity was eaten. If symptoms are persistent or your dog seems distressed, contact your veterinarian.
Can the thorny stems of Red Berried Greenbrier hurt my dog?
The plant's thorny stems pose a physical rather than a toxic hazard — a dog chewing or pushing through the vine could get minor scratches to the mouth or skin. The plant itself is non-toxic, but if your dog has visible mouth injuries or is pawing at its face after contact with the thorns, a vet check is worthwhile.
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
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Cosmos
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Hemlock Tree
Tsuga species
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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.