Is Bold Sword Fern Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Nephrolepis biserrata
Advertisement
Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | No |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | No |
| Toxic to horses | No |
| Toxic component | N/A — non-toxic |
| Onset of symptoms | N/A |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
Advertisement
What to do
No treatment is needed. Like other ferns on our list, it's a safe alternative if you'd otherwise be tempted by a toxic hanging plant like pothos or English ivy for the same spot.
Toxic component and mechanism
Bold Sword Fern is not known to contain toxic compounds harmful to dogs, cats, or horses.
What makes this plant different
Bold Sword Fern is confirmed non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. It's a larger-growing relative of the more common Boston Fern, with broader, more upright fronds, and it tolerates more direct light than most ferns typically do.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Nephrolepis biserrata
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
- Also known as
- Bold Sword Fern
- Typically found
- both
Advertisement
Related plants
Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis
Acorn Squash
Cucurbita pepo
African Daisy
Gerbera jamesonii
African Violet
Saintpaulia spp.
Algaroba
Prosopis limensis
See all Dryopteridaceae plants →
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control