Pet safety
Is Goldmoss Stonecroptoxic to cats & dogs?
Sedum acre
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Sedum acre
Is goldmoss stonecrop safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags goldmoss stonecrop as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Sedum acre (Wall Pepper) contains alkaloids (sedamine and related compounds) that cause a peppery burning sensation on mucous membranes when chewed, and can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. ASPCA does not individually list Sedum acre separately from the Sedum genus (which is listed as non-toxic), but historical botanical sources document mild toxicity from the acrid alkaloids in this specific species. Keep away from pets and children who may chew on plants; contact with sap can occasionally cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats goldmoss stonecrop?
Sedum acre (Wall Pepper) contains alkaloids (sedamine and related compounds) that cause a peppery burning sensation on mucous membranes when chewed, and can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. ASPCA does not individually list Sedum acre separately from the Sedum genus (which is listed as non-toxic), but historical botanical sources document mild toxicity from the acrid alkaloids in this specific species. Keep away from pets and children who may chew on plants; contact with sap can occasionally cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to goldmoss stonecrop, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate goldmoss stonecrop
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move goldmoss stonecrop out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of goldmoss stonecrop to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to goldmoss stonecrop
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Goldmoss Stonecrop and pets — frequently asked questions
Is goldmoss stonecrop toxic to cats?
Goldmoss Stonecrop (Sedum acre) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Sedum acre (Wall Pepper) contains alkaloids (sedamine and related compounds) that cause a peppery burning sensation on mucous membranes when chewed, and can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. ASPCA does not individually list Sedum acre separately from the Sedum genus (which is listed as non-toxic), but historical botanical sources document mild toxicity from the acrid alkaloids in this specific species. Keep away from pets and children who may chew on plants; contact with sap can occasionally cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is goldmoss stonecrop toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Goldmoss Stonecrop (Sedum acre) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like goldmoss stonecrop is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats goldmoss stonecrop?
Sedum acre (Wall Pepper) contains alkaloids (sedamine and related compounds) that cause a peppery burning sensation on mucous membranes when chewed, and can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. ASPCA does not individually list Sedum acre separately from the Sedum genus (which is listed as non-toxic), but historical botanical sources document mild toxicity from the acrid alkaloids in this specific species. Keep away from pets and children who may chew on plants; contact with sap can occasionally cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to goldmoss stonecrop, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate goldmoss stonecrop?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of goldmoss stonecrop to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to goldmoss stonecrop?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full goldmoss stonecrop care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete goldmoss stonecrop care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.