Many common houseplants and landscape plants are toxic to pets, but it’s difficult to know which species pose legitimate harm. When my family brought home a new puppy, I discovered a lot of plants in and around my house that could potentially hurt him if he decided to take a nibble.
With kids around, I have always kept the extremely dangerous plants out of my yard. No hemlock or belladonna is growing in my garden. But, with the addition of a young pet, there are more plants than ever to worry about. If you’re in the same boat, I did the research for you to help keep your pets safe from toxic plants.
Wild animals tend to recognize which plants they should and should not eat. However, domesticated pets often lack the instincts to avoid troublesome plants. So it’s our duty to protect them from harm. Some of these plants you will probably recognize as toxic, and others may surprise you. Here are 57 plants that are toxic to pets, plus 31 safe alternatives.
Bulbous and Tuberous Perennials
Many bulbous plants pose the greatest threat to pets. The greatest concentration of toxins tends to be found in the bulbs themselves.
Amaryllis
This flower is beautiful but toxic to pets, causing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors.
 | botanical name Amaryllis |
|---|---|
 | plant type Bulbous Perennial |
 | hardiness zones 8-10 |
 | pet toxic All Mammals |
Amaryllis makes a beautiful holiday gift and returns year after year if planted in the garden. However, these winter wonders are not pet friendly. Amaryllis contains lycorine which has painful effects on your furry friends. Side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, increased salivation, and abdominal pain.
Caladium
While this colorful species is great for shaded areas, these plants are toxic to pets, causing drooling, mouth irritation, and vomiting.
| | botanical name Caladium |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 8-12 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
The colorful, heart-shaped leaves of the caladium genus are a wonderful way to add color to more shaded portions of the garden. With their splashy color combinations of red, pink, green, and white, these tropical perennials are certain to please.
Pets, however, should steer clear of these pretty plants. Ingesting Caladiums can cause excessive drooling, irritation of the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting in dogs and cats.
Calla Lily
Calla lilies are beautiful flowers, but they can make pets quite sick.
| | botanical name Zantedeschia |
|---|---|
| | plant type Semi-evergreen Bulbous Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 8-10 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
These popular cut flowers add elegance to the garden with their tropical leaves and classic trumpet-shaped flowers. Calla Lillies are a favorite among brides, but they will make your furry friend feel pretty miserable. Symptoms include depression, tremors, inability to eat, and gastrointestinal issues.
Crocus
Crocus, including autumn crocuses, are toxic to animals, causing severe gastrointestinal distress.
| | botanical name Crocus |
|---|---|
| | plant type Bulbous Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-8 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
Crocus is the plant that produces the world’s most expensive spice, saffron. All crocus plants are toxic to animals, but autumn crocuses are particularly dangerous. Ingestion of this small plant can cause extreme gastrointestinal distress, including bleeding, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause respiratory failure, seizures, liver and kidney failure, and even death.
Cyclamen
Nibbling on cyclamen flowers or leaves may cause illness, but eating the roots can be deadly.
| | botanical name Cyclamen |
|---|---|
| | plant type Tuberous Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 9-10 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
Cyclamen is unlikely to do severe harm if an animal nibbles on the flowers or leaves. Slight stomach upset and mouth irritation can be a side effect of an animal eating the foliage, but it passes quickly. The real danger rests in the tubers. The high concentration of terpenoid saponins in the tubers can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms and abnormal heartbeat, seizures, and even death.
Daffodil
These bright flowers contain a poisonous alkaloid that can cause pet stomach issues.
| | botanical name Narcissus |
|---|---|
| | plant type Bulbous Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-8 |
| | pet toxic Cats, Dogs, Horses |
Daffodils are a cheerful spring favorite with bright yellow, orange, and white flowers. However, those flowers contain a poisonous alkaloid that can cause vomiting and stomach upset in pets. The bulbs are more dangerous than the foliage, as they contain crystal lycorine, which can cause serious heart irregularities, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory failure.
Dahlia
Although they have stunning flowers, dahlias can cause rash, blisters, itching, and gastrointestinal issues in dogs, cats, and horses.
| | botanical name Dahlia |
|---|---|
| | plant type Tuberous Annual or Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 8-12 |
| | pet toxic Dogs, Cats, Horses |
If you’ve ever grown dahlias, you know how addictive these plants can be with their stunning and widely-varied flowers. While dahlias are not toxic to humans, they can cause some pretty nasty symptoms in dogs, cats, and horses. Signs of dahlia poisoning include rash, blisters, itching, and gastrointestinal issues.
Garlic
Garlic benefits humans but can cause anemia and red blood cell damage in most animals, necessitating veterinary care.
| | botanical name Allium sativum |
|---|---|
| | plant type Bulbous Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
| | pet toxic Dogs, Cats, Horses, Livestock Animals (cattle, goats, sheep), Birds, Reptiles |
This one might come as a surprise because this plant is a culinary staple in many cuisines worldwide. Garlic is not just edible to humans but has many potential health benefits, and we use it commonly in much of our food as a result.
But for our animals, garlic is dangerous. Garlic contains thiosulphates and disulfides, which are not harmful to humans but can cause anemia (damage to red blood cells) in most animals. It is not typically fatal, but pets that have ingested it are likely to need veterinary care.
Gladiolus
This stunning cut flower lasts long in a vase but is toxic to animals, especially the buds.
| | botanical name Gladiolus |
|---|---|
| | plant type Bulbous Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 5-10 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
If you want a spectacular cut flower, you should absolutely add gladiolus to your garden. These towering beauties bloom after cutting and last a long time in a vase.
Sadly, in terms of animals, all parts of the plant are toxic, with the buds having the highest concentration of toxic compounds. Pets that ingest gladiolus are known to experience increased salivation and vomiting, as well as general lethargy and other gastrointestinal troubles.
Iris
Irises are beautiful summer flowers but toxic to people and animals, causing mouth and digestive irritation.
| | botanical name Iris |
|---|---|
| | plant type Bulbous Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Though they look like they would bloom with the other bulbous spring bloomers, irises are early summer flowers and more heat tolerant than many bulbous plants.
Their unique petal formation is instantly recognizable, and they look delicately beautiful in the flower garden. Iris contains compounds that make the entire plant toxic to people and pets and can cause irritation of the mouth, digestive issues, nausea, diarrhea, and dermatitis.
Lily
Lilies have beautiful blooms and a heavenly scent, but all species in the Lilium genus are highly toxic to people and pets.
| | botanical name Lilium |
|---|---|
| | plant type Bulbous Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans, But Especially Cats |
This cut flower favorite has a heavenly scent and spectacular blooms. Lilies are very popular in the garden and with florists for their long-lasting, fragrant flowers. Unfortunately, all flowering plants in the Lilium genus are highly toxic to people and animals.
An act as seemingly innocuous as licking pollen off the fur or having a sip of the water that lilies were in can cause severe and fatal liver damage to cats and, in severe cases, liver failure in humans and larger animals.
Lily of the Valley
Lilies of the Valley are beautiful but toxic to animals and humans, causing cardiac distress.
| | botanical name Convallaria |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
The favorite flower of Queen Elizabeth II of England, lilies of the valley are flowers of legend. Their delicate beauty is singular, with the flowers looking like they grew in a fairy’s garden.
In terms of toxicity, the plant is poisonous to animals and humans and can cause cardiac distress and even death. Some treatments have shown effectiveness, but there is no clear antidote for lily of the valley poisoning.
Onions
Bulbous onions are safe for humans but toxic to many animals, causing anemia due to N-propyl disulfide.
| | botanical name Allium cepa |
|---|---|
| | plant type Biennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-12 |
| | pet toxic Cattle, Cats, Dogs, Horses, Birds |
Onions are another edible plant for humans, but many animals cannot eat this plant due to the presence of N-propyl disulfide, which causes the breakdown of red blood cells in many animals leading to anemia.
All plant parts should be avoided for your pets, whether raw or cooked. Raw onions are the most toxic, and cattle and cats tend to be affected most adversely.
Potato
Ripe potatoes are safe, but green ones and their leaves and stems contain toxic glycoalkaloids.
| | botanical name Solanum tuberosum |
|---|---|
| | plant type Tuberous Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-10 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
It might be difficult to believe this since most of us have eaten potatoes for as long as we can remember. This vegetable garden staple is not toxic if you consume ripe, cooked roots. It is the presence of a glycoalkaloid poison, which forms only with the presence of chlorophyll when tubers are left exposed to the sunlight above the soil surface.
The leaves and stems, as well as any potatoes that are green or have new shoots attached, are toxic to pets and people and cause solanine poisoning. Death can result if large quantities are consumed, but the most common symptoms are gastrointestinal, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, and breathing and vision changes.
Snowdrops
Snowdrops are toxic to animals and humans, with phenanthridine alkaloids in the bulbs, stems, and leaves.
| | botanical name Galanthus |
|---|---|
| | plant type Bulbous Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-7 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Lovely, little snowdrops are the birth flower of January babies and the first spring bulb flowers to pop their little heads above the blanket of winter snow. They are also toxic to pets and people.
The bulbs, stems, and leaves contain phenanthridine alkaloids, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, blood pressure drop, and coordination loss. Exposure to the bulbs is most dangerous, as these contain the highest concentration of alkaloids.
Tulip
Tulips are toxic to animals and humans, with all parts containing the toxin tulipan.
| | botanical name Tulipa |
|---|---|
| | plant type Bulbous Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-7 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
Tulips are another spring bulb flower that is dangerous for animals and humans to consume. All plant parts contain the toxin tulipan, with the highest concentration in the bulbs. Ingestion of any part of a tulip plant can cause skin and mouth irritation, dizziness, and gastrointestinal irritation.
Herbaceous Perennials and Annuals
Some perennial and annual ornamentals also pose a risk to your furry friends.
Begonia
While they have lovely leaves and flowers, ingesting begonias can cause intense mouth irritation and vomiting in pets.
| | botanical name Begonia |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 6-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Especially Horses |
Begonias have some of the loveliest leaves and sweetest flowers around. The many varieties of this genus make wonderful additions to the garden and are very popular houseplants.
While ingesting begonia is unlikely to cause death, it will cause intense burning and irritation in your dog or cat’s mouth and is especially dangerous for grazing horses. Symptoms also include excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
Belladonna
Deadly nightshade is one of the deadliest plants, with toxins that can be absorbed through the skin.
| | botanical name Atropa belladonna |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-12 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
You may have heard of this plant or its nickname, “Deadly Nightshade.” The name alone is enough to keep most people at bay, although it has been used in some homeopathic remedies. Ironically, it is one of the deadliest toxic plants for humans and pets.
Even small amounts can cause death. The toxins in this plant can be absorbed through the skin, so steer clear.
Chrysanthemums
Mums can cause digestive issues, loss of coordination, and dermatitis in pets.
| | botanical name Chrysanthemum |
|---|---|
| | plant type Annual or Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 5-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
Mums are a fall favorite, with their many colored flowers beginning to bloom at the end of summer and peaking during the fall holidays.
These versatile flowering plants are perfect for the garden or container. These plants contain compounds that can cause digestive issues in pets, loss of coordination, and dermatitis.
Clematis
A beautiful vining plant loved by pollinators, clematis contains a glycoside causing digestive issues in dogs.
| | botanical name Clematis |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
Clematis is a beautiful vining plant that looks spectacular on an arch or trellis. Pollinators love these plants with their brightly colored flowers, but they aren’t good for mammals.
Clematis contains a glycoside that causes digestive irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans and animals but has a bitter taste, so pets are unlikely to have more than a taste.
Dianthus
Plants in this genus, including carnations, have edible flowers for humans but can cause digestive issues in pets and animals.
| | botanical name Dianthus |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial or Annual |
| | hardiness zones 3-10 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
The Dianthus genus of plants includes the ever-popular carnation, and their flowers are edible for humans, but pets and other animals should steer clear of these plants. Eating the leaves or stems can lead to digestive issues in animals. Fortunately, it is not typically fatal, and the bitter taste is a good deterrent for most animals.
Foxglove
Though bumblebees adore them, foxgloves are lethal to all animals when consumed.
| | botanical name Digitalis |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Foxgloves are very beautiful and beloved by bumblebees, the sole pollinators of these lovely flowers. Despite its attractive appearance, foxglove plants can be toxic and deadly to all mammals when any plant part is ingested. Symptoms include cardiac arrhythmia and failure, vomiting, diarrhea, and death.
Geraniums
While their flowers are edible for humans, geraniums are toxic to animals due to compounds like geraniol and linalool.
| | botanical name Pelargonium |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial or Annual |
| | hardiness zones 3-11 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
Geraniums are another group of plant that bears flowers that are edible for humans. These pretty plants are toxic to animals, though.
They contain the compounds geraniol and linalool, which can cause a host of negative effects for pets, such as ataxia, depression, anorexia, digestive issues, dermatitis, and muscle weakness.
Hemlock
A noxious weed, hemlock is highly toxic to people and animals, causing rapid and severe effects leading to death.
| | botanical name Conium Maculatum |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-8 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
It was the poison of choice for Socrates when he was handed a death sentence and an ominous plant, to say the least. Very few gardeners add this plant to the garden, but it proliferates quickly as a noxious weed throughout the United States (except for Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, and Mississippi).
It can pop up where you were not expecting, and all parts of these weedy plants are highly toxic to pets and people. The effects are rapid but weak pulse, neurological failure, respiratory paralysis, coma, and often, death.
Hydrangeas
Beloved for their versatile flowers, hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycoside that can cause severe digestive issues in pets.
| | botanical name Hydrangea |
|---|---|
| | plant type Deciduous Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Another highly popular plant for the cut flower garden is the illustrious hydrangea. These plants have fun, long-lasting, chameleon-like flowers that are simply wonderful in a floral arrangement or bouquet. However, you should keep an eye on your pets around this plant.
All plant parts produce cyanogenic glycoside, also known as cyanide. This plant can cause severe digestive and GI issues if consumed in large enough amounts.
Lantana
This plant is poisonous to pets and humans because it contains triterpene acids that harm the gallbladder and liver.
| | botanical name Lantana |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 7-12 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Another pollinator favorite that shouldn’t be consumed by anything with fewer than 6 legs is lantana. Lantana plants are toxic to people and pets and contain triterpene acids which have harmful effects on the gallbladder and liver.
Your pet would have to consume 1% of its body weight in leaves or berries to experience poisoning, but ingesting any part of the plant can cause problems.
Larkspur
This pretty but poisonous plant causes skin irritation and can be fatal to people and animals.
| | botanical name Delphinium |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial or Annual |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Larkspur is a delightful flowering plant that brings old-world charm to the garden in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white. It is very pretty to look at but be forewarned; even touching the leaves and seeds can cause skin irritation.
All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and animals, with no known treatment. The seeds of these plants are the most toxic for pets. The effects are typically fatal, with as little as 2mg proving fatal to adult humans.
Lavender
While popular for its fragrance and healing properties, lavender it’s harmful to animals when consumed in large quantities.
| | botanical name Lavandula |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
| | pet toxic All Animals in Large Quantities |
Lavender is an exceptionally popular plant for its soothing fragrance and healing properties. The plant and its flowers are edible for humans in small doses and add a delightful nuance to baked goods.
However, lavender plants contain linalool, a compound considered safe for humans but toxic to pets. It could cause uncomfortable symptoms in animals and small children, but only when ingested in large quantities. Just keep away from areas where your pets like to hang out.
Lobelia
This plant has medicinal uses but is toxic when ingested, causing serious symptoms and even death in large doses.
| | botanical name Lobelia |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 9-11 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Lobelia has its uses in herbalism. However, modern medicine regards this plant as poisonous to humans and animals when ingested. Small amounts are unlikely to be fatal, but large doses can result in convulsions, increased heart rate, coma, and death.
Lupines
These are beautiful, rapidly-spreading flowers that are poisonous to humans and animals.
| | botanical name Lupinus |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
Lupines, commonly known as bluebonnets, are lovely, colorful, spectacular garden flowers. These can be controversial due to their habit of spreading and taking over a space. They are also poisonous to humans and pets, as they contain alkaloid chemicals.
The effect of ingestion is a disease called lupinosis, which is a liver disease. Fortunately, the seeds, which carry the greatest concentration of chemicals, are very bitter, so children and animals will typically spit them out, and exposure will be mild.
Milkweed
This popular butterfly plant contains toxic substances harmful to animals and humans.
| | botanical name Asclepias |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Milkweed is an essential species in just about every butterfly garden. Milkweeds are the primary host plant for the Monarch butterfly, as well as other butterfly species. All parts of the plant contain toxic cardiac glycosides. These are poisonous to all animals and humans, causing weakness, confusion, and stomach upset in small amounts and more serious issues like heart rate changes and seizures in larger amounts.
An interesting characteristic of the Monarch caterpillar is that it can store these glycosides in its body, making them toxic for other animals to eat and very bitter tasting.
Monkshood
Aconitum is a highly poisonous plant with toxins that can be absorbed through the skin, causing serious effects.
| | botanical name Aconitum |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-8 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Aconitum has many names, including monkshood, wolf’s bane, leopard’s bane, devil’s helmet, and blue rocket. Whatever name you call it by, this one should be left alone.
If you’re going to plant it, make sure to wear gloves to handle the plant, as all parts are highly poisonous to humans and animals. The toxins can be absorbed through the skin, and it doesn’t take much to cause serious effects, including bradycardia.
Moss Rose
A low-maintenance flowering annual, moss rose is edible for most humans but causes stomach upset in cats and dogs.
| | botanical name Portulaca grandiflora |
|---|---|
| | plant type Annual |
| | hardiness zones 3-12 |
| | pet toxic Toxic to Most Mammals |
Moss Rose, also known as Portulaca or purslane, is a pretty, flowering annual with succulent characteristics making it very easy to care for. The plant is edible for most humans, except young children and the elderly, who may not tolerate the presence of oxalic acid.
When studied in rats, moss rose was not found to be harmful, but it could cause serious stomach upset for cats and dogs. It’s better not to risk letting pets eat this plant.
Oregano
This herb has great culinary value but causes stomach upset in dogs and cats.
| | botanical name Origanum vulgare |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 5-10 |
| | pet toxic Cats, Dogs in large amounts |
Oregano has great culinary value for humans – after all, pizza wouldn’t be the same without it! It smells wonderful and tastes even better.
The plant is moderately troublesome for dogs if consumed in large amounts, leading to stomach upset. In cats, even a small amount can lead to gastrointestinal upset. This one is not fatal, but it can certainly make your kitty uncomfortable.
Peace Lilies
These beautiful houseplants have mildly toxic properties, causing oral irritation and digestive issues.
| | botanical name Spathiphyllum |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 11-12 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
Peace lilies are beautiful plants commonly kept as houseplants in cooler climates but can be grown in the ground in zones 11-12.
These plants contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which are not highly toxic but can be very bothersome, causing oral irritation and inflammatory reactions in humans and animals if licked or consumed. Ingestion can also cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Pennyroyal
This mint family member is poisonous to humans and animals, causing liver damage and potentially fatal effects.
| | botanical name Mentha pulegium |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 6-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
This herb is a member of the mint family. While it has been used traditionally by humans, the oil is highly toxic to humans and animals.
The plant contains pulegone, which particularly damages the liver and can lead to other serious effects such as cardiopulmonary collapse, seizure, coma, and organ failure. This is one herb to steer clear of.
Peony
Peonies are loved for their beauty, but caution is needed as they can cause adverse effects to animals if ingested.
| | botanical name Paeonia |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-8 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
Many gardeners love to grow peonies. They are simply stunning in bloom and make an amazing cut flower arrangement. Peonies contain paeonol, which can have anti-inflammatory effects on humans in small amounts.
It does not have the same effect on animals, which can suffer from depression, vomiting, and diarrhea if they ingest this plant. All parts of the plant contain paeonol, but the highest concentration is in the bark.
Philodendrons
These tropical vines contain calcium oxalate crystals linked to severe oral and digestive issues in humans and pets.
| | botanical name Philodendron |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 8-12 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
Philodendrons are a large genus of plants typically grown indoors in cooler climates but also have wide-reaching popularity as outdoor plants in tropical and subtropical climates. Elephant ears, for instance, fit into this category.
These plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which could cause severe oral irritation if merely chewed on. If ingested by you or your pet, these plants can have severe digestive and respiratory effects, leading to death if left untreated.
Poinsettias
Famous for holiday gifts, these flowers are slightly toxic to animals but unlikely to cause serious harm unless consumed in large amounts.
| | botanical name Euphorbia pulcherrima |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 9-11 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
You may have heard that this winter-blooming holiday favorite is highly poisonous to animals. In reality, they are only slightly toxic and very unlikely to seriously harm an animal unless ingested in large quantities.
I can attest to this, as the squirrels love to munch on my poinsettias, and they keep coming back for more. Ingestion of poinsettia can irritate the mouth and stomach and occasionally cause vomiting, but it is usually not a cause to seek medical attention.
Sweet Pea
These flowers are ornamental plants with fragrant flowers, but consuming large quantities of their seeds can lead to paralysis.
| | botanical name Lathyrus |
|---|---|
| | plant type Annual or Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-10 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
These sweet-smelling members of the legume (pea) family are not of the edible variety. Commonly grown as ornamentals and in cut flower gardens, Sweet Peas have pretty flowers that smell great.
While accidental ingestion of the leaves and flowers is unlikely to result in poisoning, consuming large quantities of the seeds can have disastrous effects for both humans and animals. Symptoms include paralysis, convulsions, and breathing difficulties.
Tarragon
While tarragon is safe for humans to consume, it could cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage in animals.
| | botanical name Artemisia dracunculus |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 2-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals Except Humans |
Tarragon is a tasty herb with no known toxic effect on humans. It also produces pretty yellow flowers that are attractive to pollinators.
Tarragon can be dangerous for animals, though, as it contains estragole. This can upset their stomach or cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in extreme cases, liver damage in pets.
Tomato
The non-fruiting parts of this nightshade family member are toxic to people and pets.
| | botanical name Solanum lycopersicum |
|---|---|
| | plant type Annual or Perrenial |
| | hardiness zones 3-12 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
Tomato plants are classified as nightshades. You might recall that belladonna is a member of this family and is considered one of the deadliest plants to consume. The fruit of the tomato plant is entirely edible, even when it is unripe.
However, the non-fruiting parts of these plants (leaves, stems, and roots) are toxic to humans and pets. Consuming a few leaves is unlikely to have an effect. However, large quantities will cause gastrointestinal upset.
Vinca
This plant contains alkaloids that can cause symptoms in pets when consumed in large amounts.
| | botanical name Vinca |
|---|---|
| | plant type Annual or Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
Vinca, also known as Periwinkle, are pretty flowering plants typically grown as annuals, although they can be short-lived perennials in warmer climates.
Vinca alkaloids are found in all parts of the plant but are scarce in the flowers. Ingesting a small number of flowers is unlikely to cause problems in pets, but greater amounts can cause vomiting, lethargy, fever, nerve damage, hallucinations, and tremors.
Wisteria
Loved by bees, wisteria is toxic to people and animals, especially the seeds and seed pods, which cause mouth burning.
| | botanical name Wisteria |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 5-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals |
Wisteria is a graceful vining plant that produces large clusters of fragrant purple flowers in spring and early summer. The bees love this plant, but it is toxic to pets and humans.
All plant parts are toxic, but the seeds and seed pods are particularly dangerous. The plant contains the glycoside Wisterin which can cause burning in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain if ingested.
Yarrow
A spreading perennial with medicinal uses, yarrow can be toxic to people and animals in large amounts.
| | botanical name Achillea millefolium |
|---|---|
| | plant type Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 3-10 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Yarrow is a lovely perennial flowering plant that spreads quickly and has been used to make teas that aid digestion and relax muscles.
However, it can be toxic to people and animals in large amounts. In animals, it can cause hypersalivation, diarrhea, and depression. For humans, negative effects can include skin rashes and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Evergreens
If those aren’t enough plants to warrant reassessing your collection, these evergreens may pose an issue to a curious kitten or puppy.
Aloe Vera
Famous for its healing and hydrating properties, aloe vera benefits humans but not all pets.
| | botanical name Aloe vera |
|---|---|
| | plant type Succulent Evergreen Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 8-11 |
| | pet toxic Dogs, Cats, Horses |
Best known for its skin hydrating and healing properties, aloe vera is a common succulent plant in many gardens. While it may be good for humans to rub on cuts and sunburns, it is not good for cats, dogs, or horses to ingest. Symptoms include lethargy, depression, vomiting, stomach upset, and tremors.
Andromedas
Pieris or Andromeda plants, with their beautiful flowers, are poisonous to humans and animals, causing vomiting and potential death.
| | botanical name Pieris |
|---|---|
| | plant type Evergreen |
| | hardiness zones 5-9 |
| | pet toxic All Animals, Including Humans |
Pieris or Andromeda plants are attractive evergreen shrubs that produce pannicles of flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. While they are lovely ornamental plants, they are also highly poisonous to people and pets.
The toxins in this plant can cause vomiting, cardiac failure, and ultimately death if consumed, even in small amounts.
Gardenia
These flowers have a beloved scent and are popular ornamental plants, but they are mildly toxic to pets.
| | botanical name Gardenia |
|---|---|
| | plant type Evergreen Perennial |
| | hardiness zones 6-11 |
| | pet toxic Dogs, Cats, Horses |
The distinctive scent of the gardenia is beloved by gardeners and florists alike. To no one’s surprise, these exquisite evergreen shrubs are one of the most popular ornamental plants in their zones.
Gardenia flowers are mildly toxic to pets. Ingesting this plant can cause allergic reactions in some animals, such as hives and diarrhea.
Holly
Though holly boughs bring holiday cheer with colorful leaves and shiny red berries, the leaves and berries are toxic.
| | botanical name Ilex |
|---|---|
| | plant type Evergreen or Deciduous |
| | hardiness zones 5-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
The sight of a holly bough evokes holiday cheer and winter pops of color. But even the texture of the leaves on this plant warns us to look but don’t touch. The leaves aren’t the only dangerous part of the plant. Holly berries are poisonous to people and animals and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea if consumed.
Ivy
This is a distinguished climbing vine that adds a classic vibe to the garden, but it contains saponins.
| | botanical name Hedera |
|---|---|
| | plant type Evergreen |
| | hardiness zones 4-11 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Ivy makes a distinguished climbing vine or ground cover. It adds a classic vibe to the garden, reminiscent of an English country garden. The downside is that ivy contains saponins that can cause serious abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting in people and animals. It also tends to be invasive in many parts of the United States.
Kalanchoe
These easy-to-care-for container plants produce beautiful flowers but are toxic to animals and humans.
| | botanical name Kalanchoe |
|---|---|
| | plant type Evergreen Succulent |
| | hardiness zones 10-12 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Especially Dogs |
Kalanchoes are typically kept as container plants because they can become invasive in the ground. These succulent plants are typically very easy to care for and produce wonderful flowers during the cooler months.
Pollinators love them, but for people and animals, these are not for eating. Kalanchoe contains toxins that affect the heart and is especially toxic for dogs.
Laurel (Bay)
Bay Laurel leaves are popular for seasoning food, but their raw form contains a neurotoxin harmful to humans and animals.
| | botanical name Laurus nobilis |
|---|---|
| | plant type Evergreen |
| | hardiness zones 7-10 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals (when raw) |
The leaves of the bay laurel tree are commonly used as a seasoning in food preparation. The Mediterranean native has aromatic foliage and an attractive shape.
However, the raw leaves and flowers, especially their flowers, contain a neurotoxin that is dangerous to humans and animals in its uncooked state. Cats seem to be affected most severely.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe, a hemiparasitic plant, derives nutrients from its host and is famous for Christmas kisses.
| | botanical name Viscum album |
|---|---|
| | plant type Evergreen |
| | hardiness zones 5-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Best known for giving sweethearts a reason to smooch at Christmastime, mistletoe is a hemiparasitic plant that draws much of its nutrients and water from a host plant. The evergreen plant has small white berries.
The berries, leaves, and stems all contain phoratoxin and viscotoxin, both poisonous proteins. Ingestion typically presents as gastrointestinal upset, but large amounts can cause heart problems and hallucinations.
Oleander
A stunning low-maintenance plant with beautiful flowers, oleander is highly toxic to all animals and humans.
| | botanical name Nerium oleander |
|---|---|
| | plant type Evergreen |
| | hardiness zones 8-10 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Oleander is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that produces wonderful flowers in shades of pink and white. It is evergreen and grows quite large with very little attention. It is also highly poisonous to all animals and humans.
Avoid touching the plant with bare hands or inhaling smoke from burning foliage, as this can cause toxic effects. Ingesting a single leaf can kill an adult!
Sago Palm
These palms are popular in landscaping for their tropical appearance but are highly toxic to humans and animals.
| | botanical name Cycas revoluta |
|---|---|
| | plant type Evergreen |
| | hardiness zones 8-10 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Sago palms are commonly used in landscaping for their ease of care and interesting appearance. They require very little care and have a tropical look to them.
However, sago palm is highly toxic to humans and animals, with an estimated 35%-50% mortality rate in dogs from consumption. All plant parts contain cycasin which is a carcinogen and neurotoxin.
Rhododendrons
Rhodies are popular flowering shrubs with toxic parts, including flowers, leaves, and fruits.
| | botanical name Rhododendron |
|---|---|
| | plant type Evergreen or Deciduous |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
Rhododendrons are common ornamental shrubs that flower prolifically in the spring, summer, or fall. The flowers, leaves, fruits, and other plant parts contain toxic diterpenes. Small amounts can cause hallucinations and light-headedness.
The most common way humans are affected is by consuming honey produced by bees that feed on these plants, called “mad honey.” Ingestion of a few leaves can cause serious illness and even death in dogs.
Yew
This plant is highly toxic to humans and animals due to taxines that are present in all parts except the seed casings.
| | botanical name Taxus baccata |
|---|---|
| | plant type Evergreen |
| | hardiness zones 3-8 |
| | pet toxic All Mammals, Including Humans |
This long-lived evergreen is typically grown for the use of its wood in making furniture and flooring. It also happens to be highly poisonous to humans and animals. All plant parts, except seed casings, contain alkaloids called taxines. Ingestion of even a small amount can result in death in a matter of hours.
Pet Safe Plants
Here is a list of plants considered safe for people and pets. I know how difficult it can be to part with plants that you have grown to love. Fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful plants that are entirely safe for animals and humans alike!
Here are 31 of the best safe alternatives (with links to my favorite seeds!):
Final Thoughts
Some organizations may encourage you to modify your garden to make it entirely safe for a new pet, or even an existing pet, if you are concerned that they may still munch on your plants. But this may not be necessary.
Ultimately, only you know how much time your pet will spend unattended in certain parts of the yard. Steering clear of the most dangerous plants is always a good idea, as mere contact with the foliage of some plants can cause unpleasant effects.
