Pet safety
Is Mary Washington Asparagustoxic to cats & dogs?
Asparagus officinalis 'Mary Washington'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Asparagus officinalis 'Mary Washington'
Is mary washington asparagus safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Mary Washington Asparagus is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't reach. 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. The edible spears of garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) are not listed by the ASPCA as toxic and are eaten by people. However, do not confuse this with the ASPCA-toxic ornamental asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus). The mature red berries and ferny foliage of garden asparagus can cause vomiting or stomach upset if pets eat them, so treat the fern stage with caution and verify with a vet if a pet shows symptoms.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats mary washington asparagus?
The edible spears of garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) are not listed by the ASPCA as toxic and are eaten by people. However, do not confuse this with the ASPCA-toxic ornamental asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus). The mature red berries and ferny foliage of garden asparagus can cause vomiting or stomach upset if pets eat them, so treat the fern stage with caution and verify with a vet if a pet shows symptoms. 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 mary washington asparagus, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate mary washington asparagus
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move mary washington asparagus 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 mary washington asparagus 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 mary washington asparagus
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:
- Cucumber — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Lettuce — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bean — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Pea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Mary Washington Asparagus and pets — frequently asked questions
Is mary washington asparagus toxic to cats?
Mary Washington Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis 'Mary Washington') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The edible spears of garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) are not listed by the ASPCA as toxic and are eaten by people. However, do not confuse this with the ASPCA-toxic ornamental asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus). The mature red berries and ferny foliage of garden asparagus can cause vomiting or stomach upset if pets eat them, so treat the fern stage with caution and verify with a vet if a pet shows symptoms. 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 mary washington asparagus toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Mary Washington Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis 'Mary Washington') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like mary washington asparagus is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats mary washington asparagus?
The edible spears of garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) are not listed by the ASPCA as toxic and are eaten by people. However, do not confuse this with the ASPCA-toxic ornamental asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus). The mature red berries and ferny foliage of garden asparagus can cause vomiting or stomach upset if pets eat them, so treat the fern stage with caution and verify with a vet if a pet shows symptoms. 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 mary washington asparagus, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate mary washington asparagus?
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 mary washington asparagus to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to mary washington asparagus?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include cucumber, lettuce, bean, pea. 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 mary washington asparagus care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete mary washington asparagus care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.