Yes, foxtail ferns are generally considered safe for dogs. The ASPCA lists foxtail ferns as non-toxic to both dogs and cats, so it should be safe for your canine friend to be around them. The ASPCA does warn that ingesting any type of plant material can cause vomiting and/or diarrhea, but this isn’t common with foxtail ferns.
That being said, you should always supervise your dog when they’re around foxtail ferns, just in case. You may even want to consider trimming the ferns back around the lower parts of the stems, as this can reduce the chance of the foxtail ferns coming into contact with your dog’s eyes, ears, nose, and other areas.
Can you touch a foxtail fern?
Yes, you can touch a foxtail fern. The foxtail fern is a type of evergreen plant native to the coastal forests of Southeast Asia. It has bright green feathery foliage, hence its’ name, foxtail fern. When touched, the fronds can have a brittle, crunchy texture.
It is important to be gentle when handling the fern though so as not to damage or break any of the fronds. With proper care, the foxtail fern can make a beautiful accent to any home or office.
What ferns are poisonous to dogs?
Ferns can often be a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to a home or garden, but some are poisonous to dogs if eaten. Staghorn ferns (Platycerium bifurcatum) contain oxalate crystals in all parts of the plant, making them toxic if ingested.
Bird’s nest ferns (Asplenium nidus) also contain tiny amounts of oxalates and can cause a dog to salivate excessively, vomit and experience diarrhea if ingested. Finally, the Boston fern, or sword fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) if eaten in large enough amounts, can cause nausea and vomiting.
All parts of these ferns are considered toxic to dogs, so it is best to keep these varieties away from pets, including cats.
Is foxtail poisonous to cats?
No, foxtail itself is not poisonous to cats, but it can still cause health problems. Foxtail are spikes of grass-like seed heads on certain plants that cats can accidentally brush up against and get caught in their fur or on their skin.
Aside from being sharp and uncomfortable, foxtail can be very dangerous to cats because the barbs on the seeds can act like microscopic spears and poke into the skin, eyes, ears and other body parts.
The barbs are designed to cling to your pet’s fur, but the shafts of the seeds can break off and travel through the body, often resulting in infections that require emergency veterinary care. Foxtail in the environment can also be a risk to indoor cats that may venture outdoors, as well as outdoor cats that can get into areas with foxtail plants with ease.
What if my dog ate a foxtail?
If your dog has ingested a foxtail, you should take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Foxtails can cause serious issues for animals if ingested, as the sharp-pointed edges can scratch or puncture internal organs as they travel through the body.
Additionally, foxtails can cause inflammation, infection, and pain. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the situation, and diagnosis and treat any issues your dog may have as a result of eating the foxtail.
Depending on the size of your dog and the amount of foxtail ingested, they may require surgery.
In the meantime, monitor your dog’s behavior and look for any signs of distress or discomfort such as pacing, breathing difficulty, coughing, and reluctance to eat, among other possible signs. If you believe your dog is in serious pain or respiratory distress, contact your veterinarian right away.
Can foxtails hurt humans?
Yes, foxtails can hurt humans. These weeds are part of the grass family and can cause nasty cuts and abrasions if they come into contact with skin. In addition, they are host to a wide array of bacteria and other organisms, some of which can be very dangerous.
For example, there have been reports of foxtails lodging in skin and transmitting a number of infections, including tetanus, staphylococcus and even leptospirosis. Additionally, some foxtails have been known to cause irritation to eyes, ears and other body parts.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of this potential danger, especially when spending time outdoors. Taking precautions such as wearing protective clothing, keeping the skin covered, and avoiding direct contact with these plants is recommended.
What does a foxtail injury look like?
A foxtail injury may present differently depending on the location of the injury. Generally, a foxtail injury can present with signs of irritation, inflammation, and pain. Grossly, the area may appear reddened, swollen, and warm to the touch.
Small bumps or warts may be associated with the area, as well as drainages of puss. In severe cases, the animal may show signs of respiratory distress and/or fever.
The foxtail barb may be visible as a protrusion from the skin. Depending on where the foxtail is lodged, further x-rays or exploratory surgery may need to be conducted for its removal.
If left untreated, the foreign body may cause an abscess, bacterial infection, or can migrate to other parts of the body, leading to additional health issues. It is important to seek professional help from a veterinarian if you suspect your animal has been injured by a foxtail.
What is a foxtail in a cat’s eye?
A foxtail in a cat’s eye is a term used to describe the appearance of an eye symptom called the iris prolapse. This is a disorder in cats where their iris (the colored part of the eye) protrudes through their third eyelid and creates a tail-like shape.
It is often accompanied by inflammation and can be painful for the cat. This condition is more likely to occur in cats with short noses and large eyes, such as Persian cats. In most cases, a foxtail in a cat’s eye can be treated with topical ointments, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in severe cases, surgery.
However, it is very important for cat owners to seek veterinary care if they notice any changes in their cat’s eye. Early diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving for cats with this condition.
How do you get rid of foxtails in your yard?
The best way to get rid of foxtails in your yard is by actively removing them when you see them, either by pulling the plant from the root or cutting the plant from the base. Additionally, you can mow down the foxtail plants on a regular basis to keep their spread minimized.
Reducing the amount of water and fertilizer you give your lawn, as these plants thrive in a moist environment, can also help to reduce their growth and spread. To prevent this issue in the future, it is helpful to aerate your yard and lawn so the soil is less hospitable to the plants.
To prevent their spread, it can be beneficial to trim back any brush and to remove any debris or weeds in the area. If at all possible, replanting the area with a gravel and rock barrier or ground cover can also help to contain or prevent their spread.
If the problem persists, speak to a professional about solutions that may be available to help eradicate the foxtails from your yard.
How long do foxtail ferns last?
Foxtail ferns have a relatively long lifespan and can thrive for up to 15 years, provided they are properly cared for. Foxtail ferns prefer bright, filtered light, and soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged.
In addition to regular watering, they need to be fertilized twice a year in the spring and summer. Furthermore, a regular misting in the spring and summer will help keep the plants thriving for years.
Pruning may also be necessary to remove dead or damaged fronds or to encourage new growth. As long as these maintenance guidelines are followed, foxtail ferns can remain healthy and vibrant for many years.
Do foxtail ferns come back every year?
No, foxtail ferns are not typically hardy plants, so they won’t come back every year. Foxtail ferns are tropical evergreen perennials, which means they remain green and grow year-round in their tropical or subtropical native habitat.
However, in regions outside of their natural habitat, these ferns can be grown as annuals. This means they are grown as outdoor plants during the warm weather season and brought indoors during the colder months.
Is foxtail fern fast growing?
No, foxtail ferns are not considered to be fast growing plants. They are known for having a slow growth habit and can take a few years to reach full size. Foxtail ferns typically reach about 1-2 feet in height and up to 2 feet in width, which is considered to be quite slow for a fern.
This can be beneficial though, as the plant can easily be maintained in the same pot for several years, and in most cases, will not require transplants for years. Additionally, these ferns can tolerate low-light conditions, making them a great option for an indoor plant.
Can foxtail ferns survive a freeze?
Foxtail ferns (Asparagus densiflorus) are hardy and can survive exposure to temperatures as low as 20F. This low temperature allows it to survive occasional light frosts in areas with mild temperature variations.
However, depending on the intensity and duration of the freeze, it is possible for foxtail ferns to suffer damage or even die. Foxtail ferns can suffer damage if exposed to long periods of cold and/or heavy frost.
Additionally, if temperatures remain below 20F for an extended period of time then the plant can become weakened and succumb to the cold. It is important to ensure your foxtail ferns are properly sheltered or warmed if a hard freeze is expected to help ensure they survive.
Do foxtail ferns spread?
Yes, foxtail ferns spread over time, although the process is slow. This variety of fern grows in clumps and the underground rhizome structure of the plant can spread outward from the central plant. It can also form new crowns from the old, extending the reach of the plant even further.
In order to spread, a mature foxtail fern needs plenty of soil and moisture as well as a way to drain the excess water. To encourage new growth, it’s also important to trim back any damage or dead fronds, as this will allow the new and healthy fronds to thrive.
With proper care and maintenance, a foxtail fern can spread and fill in a bed of soil with its soft and feathery greenery.
Will dead ferns grow back?
No, dead ferns will not grow back. Ferns are an ancient plant, having been around since the time of the dinosaurs. As such, they are very resilient and have adapted to survive in a variety of climates and environments.
Since they do not have any type of a root system and derive their nutrients from the air and soil, they also do not produce any type of seed or spore that would allow them to grow back. This means that once a fern is dead, it will not grow back.
However, there are many species of ferns and some are hardier than others, so it may be possible to find another species that is better suited for the same environment. Furthermore, in some cases it may be possible to salvage the spores of a dead fern and plant them in a new location, allowing them to regrow to a certain degree.
How do you winterize a foxtail fern?
Winterizing a foxtail fern may involve adjusting the light, temperature, and water requirements. First, the plant’s light requirements should be decreased slightly. It’s recommended to place the plant in a location that receives very little direct sunlight and even some artificial light can be used.
During winter months, the temperature requirements should be decreased. It’s best to keep the temperature of the area where the foxtail fern is kept consistently between 50–55°F / 10–13°C. Lastly, the water requirements should be adjusted.
Foxtail ferns should be watered less than usual during the cooler months — only when the top 2 inches (5 cm) of soil is dry. For best results, minimally-treated, filtered, or rainwater should be used instead of tap water.
Is foxtail an annual or perennial?
Foxtail is classified as an annual grass. This means that it will grow from seed each year during its growing season, produce flowers and go to seed before dying off over winter. Its roots do not overwinter, so it must be replanted each year.
Foxtail is a common weed and can spread quickly, so it’s important to manage its growth to keep it from choking out other lawn grass and plants. Foxtail can be managed by mowing the lawn frequently and avoiding over-fertilizing, as over-fertilized grass will encourage foxtail and other weeds.
Herbicides can also be used to control foxtail and other weeds, although they should be used with caution.
Where do you put foxtail ferns?
Foxtail ferns can be planted in outdoor gardens, in containers, and indoors as houseplants. When planting outdoors, make sure to choose a location with well-draining soil and moderate exposure to sunlight.
If planting in containers, use a potting mix blended for tropical plants and place in a spot where the plant will not get direct sunlight. When growing indoors, make sure to place the fern in bright, indirect light and water regularly.
Can foxtail ferns handle full sun?
Foxtail ferns are technically considered an evergreen ornamental grass, although they do look like ferns. They are native to tropical climates and can handle both full sun and part shade. When planted in full sun, they require regular watering and should also be shielded from strong wind.
When cared for properly, these adaptable and attractive plants can offer a year-round, multi-dimensional landscape element for your garden. They prefer loamy soil, but can tolerate most other types of soil, including clay and salty.
They are relatively drought tolerant once established, but during periods of extreme heat, regular watering is necessary to ensure their continued success. In general, foxtail ferns should receive between six and eight hours of sun per day for optimal growth.