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Aspidium falcatum
Cyrtomium falcatum · Polypodiaceae
How it looks
Aspidium falcatum (Holly Fern) is a fern with glossy, thick dark green leathery leaflets curved like tiger claws, arranged alternately along the stem. The leaflets are stiff, making it easy to distinguish from other ferns. It grows 12–20 in (30–50 cm) tall.
Aspidium falcatum is a fern with no known toxicity to cats according to the ASPCA. A nibble or two is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
Most ferns are a safe plant group for cats. Their trailing fronds can look like toys and invite batting, but a nibble or two won't lead to serious trouble. If you'd rather not have the fronds constantly roughed up, use a high shelf or a hanging planter out of reach. If it lives in the bathroom, chemicals like cleaners, air fresheners, and hairspray can be more dangerous to your cat than the plant — check the ventilation there as well. The key to care is keeping the soil from drying out completely, and it grows best in bright indirect light rather than direct sun.
Details
- Scientific name
- Cyrtomium falcatum
- Common name
- Aspidium falcatum
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
