Bird's Nest Fern
Asplenium nidus · Aspleniaceae
How it looks
Bird's Nest Fern is a fern with soft, glossy large sword-shaped fronds that spread out from the center in a bird's-nest shape. The fronds are undivided and whole, dark green and glossy. It reaches 16-31 in (40-80 cm) tall.
No toxicity data available
Bird's Nest Fern is not listed in the ASPCA's toxic plants list for cats, and NC State Extension has no toxicity data for it either. With no confirmed evidence either way, we cannot call it safe — exercise caution if your cat has access to it.
Guide for parents
Bird's Nest Fern has no official toxicity data, so it is hard to say for certain whether it is safe.
There is an easy mix-up here. The ASPCA list includes a different species in the same genus — Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chickens Fern) — but not A. nidus. A shared genus does not carry the verdict across species.
Its broad, nest-like rosette draws a cat's attention, and the leaves are thick enough that chew marks show clearly. If you see them, or vomiting and loss of appetite, contact your vet.
Details
- Scientific name
- Asplenium nidus
- Common name
- Bird's Nest Fern
- Family
- Aspleniaceae
- Source
- No confirmed source for cats — not listed by ASPCA
Also known as
Related plants
Same plant family· Aspleniaceae
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