Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Purple Fountain Grass toxic to dogs?

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple fountain grass as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Pennisetum setaceum is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database, and the sterile cultivar 'Rubrum' is widely regarded as non-toxic; because there is no direct ASPCA listing, treat its safety as uncertain and confirm with a vet. The clearer hazard is mechanical — bristly, sharp-awned plumes and blades can irritate or lodge in pets, and eating grass can cause mild GI upset.

What to do if your dog ate purple fountain grass

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move purple fountain grass out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of purple fountain grass to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten purple fountain grass, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is purple fountain grass toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is purple fountain grass toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple fountain grass as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Pennisetum setaceum is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database, and the sterile cultivar 'Rubrum' is widely regarded as non-toxic; because there is no direct ASPCA listing, treat its safety as uncertain and confirm with a vet. The clearer hazard is mechanical — bristly, sharp-awned plumes and blades can irritate or lodge in pets, and eating grass can cause mild GI upset.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats purple fountain grass?

Pennisetum setaceum is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database, and the sterile cultivar 'Rubrum' is widely regarded as non-toxic; because there is no direct ASPCA listing, treat its safety as uncertain and confirm with a vet. The clearer hazard is mechanical — bristly, sharp-awned plumes and blades can irritate or lodge in pets, and eating grass can cause mild GI upset. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to purple fountain grass.

What should I do if my dog ate purple fountain grass?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is purple fountain grass toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Purple Fountain Grass is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full purple fountain grass pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to purple fountain grass?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full purple fountain grass pet-safety