Sawbrier

Safe for cats

Great as a gift 🌸

Sawbrier

Smilax glauca · Smilacaceae

How it looks

Sawbrier is a plant with thorny vining stems bearing alternate, glossy gray-green leaves. In autumn it produces small round black or blue fruits in clusters. Length 10-16 ft (3-5 m).

This plant is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.

Guide for parents

Even with a safe plant, make a habit of picking up fallen leaves the same day. If your cat likes to dig in or eat potting soil, fertilizer ingredients can upset their stomach — covering the soil with pebbles works well. If it comes home as a cut stem, florists often treat it with preservatives, so place the vase where your cat can't drink the water.