Toxic Plants

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Summer is in the air! Along with the cleaning and the nicer weather usually comes talk of gardens and planting. However, before you start planting be aware of your furry friends’ potential interest in plants as well. Sometimes our animals like things that aren’t good for them. We’ve made a list of some plants that are beautiful and safe for your pet to be around. Be aware that toxicities in the plants vary between cats and dogs. Also, be aware of insecticides and chemicals that can be harmful as well.

Non-toxic plants and flowers:

  • Gerber Daisy

  • Orchid

  • Pincushion Flower

  • Rose (thorns can cause issues)

  • Sunflower

  • Thea Japonica

  • Tickseed

  • African Violet

  • Zinnia

  • Petunia

  • Marigold

  • Snapdragon

  • Impatiens

  • Spider Plant

  • Bamboo

  • Blue echeveria

  • Burro or lamb’s tail

  • Hens and chickens (evergreen succulents)

  • Jasmine

  • Ponytail Palm

  • Tiger orchid

  • Wild hyacinth

Toxic Plants and flowers:

  1. Vinca*

  2. Chrysanthemum

  3. Rhododendron*

  4. Amaryllis

  5. Tulip

  6. Mums

  7. Moring Glory

  8. Daffodil

  9. Dahlia

  10. Narcissus*

  11. Periwinkle*

  12. Sweet Pea*

  13. Holly

  14. Most Lilies*

  15. Begonia

  16. Hyacinth

  17. Aloe Vera

  18. Wisteria

  19. Autumn Crocus*

  20. Azalea*

  21. Baby’s Breath

  22. Iris

  23. Eastern Star

  24. Kiss Me Quick

  25. Ivy (most)

  26. Elephant’s Ear

  27. Foxglove*

  28. Geranium

  29. Hydrangea*

  30. Pieris (fetterbush)*

  31. Larkspur*

  32. Lupine*

  33. Maidens Breath

  34. Oleander*

  35. Yew (most)*

The plants denoted with an asterisk are especially toxic, some being cardiotoxic, which pose the highest risk to pets. If you’re unsure about a certain plant, you can research it on the ASPCA’s searchable poisonous plant database. Make sure you do your search before purchasing and planting anything in your garden or home. The wrong pets can be harmful to pets.

Dr. Duane Landry