Swedish Ivy is a popular, cascading houseplant admired for its lush, trailing foliage that makes it a favorite for hanging baskets indoors. The plant’s common name is misleading, as it does not belong to the true ivy family (Hedera species). Given its presence in many homes, a frequent question arises about the safety of this plant for household members and pets. Understanding the specific identity and chemical makeup of the plant is necessary to determine its risk profile.
Defining Swedish Ivy
The plant most commonly identified as Swedish Ivy is Plectranthus verticillatus, a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae. This perennial features fleshy, rounded, or ovate leaves with distinct scalloped edges and a glossy, dark-green appearance. Its trailing habit, where the stems readily root at the nodes, contributes to its use in hanging containers and its common misnomer, “Creeping Charlie.”
The confusion stems from the fact that its common name, Swedish Ivy, is sometimes misapplied to other plants in the Plectranthus genus. Despite the name, this plant is native to Southern Africa, not Sweden. Focusing on Plectranthus verticillatus provides the most accurate assessment of the plant typically found in homes.
Edibility Status and Toxicity Profile
Swedish Ivy is not considered an edible plant for either humans or animals, and consumption should be avoided. For humans, Plectranthus verticillatus is generally categorized as having a low toxicity concern, meaning that ingestion is unlikely to cause severe poisoning. However, consuming any part of the plant may lead to temporary gastrointestinal discomfort, such as mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
The adverse reactions are attributed to the plant containing various essential oils and compounds, including diterpenes, which act as local irritants. These substances can cause inflammation when they interact with the delicate mucous membranes of the digestive tract. While the risk to humans is low, the plant poses a more specific concern for common household pets, particularly cats and dogs.
If a pet chews or ingests the foliage, the irritant compounds can trigger a greater reaction, including excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. The symptoms in pets are generally limited to gastrointestinal upset. The smaller body weight of an animal means the concentration of irritants can have a more significant impact. Therefore, this plant should be treated with caution, as it is a known source of physical distress for pets.
Emergency Response and Safe Handling
If a child or adult has ingested any part of Swedish Ivy, contact a national Poison Control center immediately for guidance. Similarly, if a pet has consumed the plant, contact a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline without delay. Seeking professional advice is always recommended, even if the amount ingested seems small or if visible symptoms have not yet developed.
Preventative measures are the most effective way to ensure a safe environment when keeping this plant indoors. Position the plant in elevated locations, such as hanging baskets or high shelves, that are completely out of reach of small children and curious pets. When handling the plant, wash hands thoroughly afterward to remove any residual plant oils or sap. Responsible cultivation and placement mitigate the potential for accidental exposure to the mildly irritant compounds.