Burro's Tail vs String of Pearls
Sedum morganianum vs Curio rowleyanus
Two famous trailing succulents — but one is pet-safe and one is toxic. Pet households need to know the difference.
Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum) and String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) are the two most-recognised trailing succulents and frequently appear side-by-side at nurseries. The decisive difference for pet households: Burro's Tail is non-toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA; String of Pearls is toxic. Burro's Tail has densely packed teardrop-shaped silver-green leaves; String of Pearls has spaced spherical pea-like leaves. Both demand bright light and bone-dry soil between waterings.
Quick verdict
| Use case | Winner |
|---|---|
| For pet households | Burro's Tail |
| For first-time plant owners | Burro's Tail |
| For low-light rooms | Either works |
| For drought / forgetful watering | Either works |
| For small spaces | Either works |
Side-by-side details
| Trait | Burro's Tail | String of Pearls |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect | Bright indirect |
| Water frequency | Every 14–21 days | Every 14–21 days |
| Humidity needs | 20–50% | 30–50% |
| Drought-tolerant | Yes | Yes |
| Difficulty | Easy | Moderate |
| Mature height | 60 cm | 5 cm |
| Growth pattern | trailing | trailing |
| Pet safety | Pet-safe | Toxic to cats and dogs |
Pet safety side-by-side
Burro's Tail
Pet-safe
Non-toxic to both cats and dogs per the ASPCA. Safe to grow with pets in the room.
String of Pearls
Toxic to cats and dogs
Cats: moderate severity
Dogs: moderate severity
Our take
Pick Burro's Tail if you have cats or dogs — it offers nearly identical trailing succulent aesthetics with full pet safety. The single caveat: Burro's Tail leaves drop on contact, so place it where it will not be jostled. Pick String of Pearls only in a pet-free, high-light home if you want the iconic spherical pea pattern.
Read Burro's Tail care guide Read String of Pearls care guide
Frequently asked questions
Which is easier to care for, Burro's Tail or String of Pearls?
Burro's Tail is easier. Burro's Tail difficulty: easy. String of Pearls difficulty: moderate.
Is Burro's Tail or String of Pearls safer around cats and dogs?
Burro's Tail. Burro's Tail: Pet-safe. String of Pearls: Toxic to cats and dogs. Pet safety data is sourced from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Can Burro's Tail or String of Pearls handle low light?
Both handle low light. Burro's Tail prefers bright indirect. String of Pearls prefers bright indirect.
How often should I water Burro's Tail compared to String of Pearls?
Burro's Tail: every 14-21 days. String of Pearls: every 14-21 days. Both tolerate missed waterings.