The Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) is a popular houseplant known for its rapid growth and attractive trailing foliage. Concern over its safety for human consumption is common, especially since its name is shared with other truly toxic plants. Correct identification is key to understanding its safety profile, particularly in households with small children who might ingest plant material.
Identifying the Swedish Ivy Plant
The plant commonly called Swedish Ivy belongs to the Plectranthus genus, part of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is also known as Creeping Charlie, Swedish Begonia, and Whorled Plectranthus. Characterized by its trailing habit, it is often used in hanging baskets. The leaves are typically glossy, green, slightly fleshy, and have distinctively scalloped or coarsely toothed edges. Despite its name, it is not related to the true ivy family (Hedera) or native to Sweden.
Toxicity Status for Humans
Based on current consensus from major poison control and veterinary sources, Swedish Ivy is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingestion of the plant material is not expected to result in systemic poisoning or severe, life-threatening symptoms. The plant does not contain potent toxins like cardiac glycosides (found in Foxglove and Oleander) or high concentrations of insoluble calcium oxalates (present in plants like Peace Lilies). Its non-toxic nature makes it a safer option for indoor environments.
Understanding Potential Mild Reactions
While Swedish Ivy is not classified as poisonous, consuming any plant material outside of a normal diet can cause temporary physical reactions. Ingesting a significant amount of the leaves or stems may lead to mechanical digestive upset. This reaction can manifest as temporary nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea as the body attempts to expel the indigestible fibrous material. These gastrointestinal symptoms are transient and are caused by physical irritation, not by a chemical toxin.
The plant contains certain compounds, such as diterpenes, which are common in the mint family and can be mildly irritative. In sensitive individuals, handling the plant may occasionally cause a mild, localized reaction known as contact dermatitis. This is typically limited to minor skin irritation and is not indicative of serious poisoning. These mild reactions are distinct from the severe symptoms caused by truly toxic plants that contain potent, systemic poisons.
Common Houseplant Confusion
The name “Swedish Ivy” often causes confusion because it is frequently mistaken for other highly toxic plants that share the name “ivy.” English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a classic example of a truly toxic plant sometimes confused with the Swedish variety. English Ivy contains triterpenoid saponins, which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and hypersalivation if ingested. Contact with English Ivy can also result in skin irritation.
Another common source of misidentification is Devil’s Ivy, the common name for Pothos (Epipremnum aureum). Pothos is dangerous because its tissues are saturated with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Ingesting Pothos releases these microscopic, needle-shaped crystals, causing immediate, intense burning and swelling of the mouth, throat, and tongue. Understanding the chemical difference between the non-toxic Plectranthus and the oxalate-containing Pothos or saponin-containing Hedera is important for household safety.