We all love to keep plants in and around the house, but we should consider which ones are safe for pets. Young or new pets tend to nibble and taste plants as they explore and become familiar with their environment, but some garden and house plants are toxic. Symptoms may range from a mild upset stomach to a severe toxic response that can lead to death. It is important to know which plants are safe, as even common plants can be deadly.
Plant toxicities can be organized into four classes:
- Major Toxicity: May result in serious illness or death if ingested.
- Minor Toxicity: May result in vomiting or diarrhea if ingested.
- Oxalates: Contain juice or sap with oxalate crystals that can irritate the skin, mouth and/or throat, cause swelling, difficulty breathing, pain, and/or an upset stomach.
- Dermatitis:Contact with thorns or sap may result in a skin rash.
Note: If you suspect a poison–related emergency, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888–426–4435.
![potted amaryllis flower](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip3.jpg)
Amaryllis Amaryllis spp.
Toxicity class 2,4
![potted autumn crocus flower](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip4.jpg)
Autumn Crocus Colchicum autumnale.
Toxicity class 1,4
![potted bay laurel flowers](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip01.jpg)
Bay laurel (Sweet bay) Laurus nobilis.
Toxicity class 2
![potted caladium flower](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip11.jpg)
Caladium Caladium spp.
Toxicity class 3,4
![potted calla lily](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip0.png)
Calla lily Zantedeschia aethiopica
Toxicity class 3,4
![cardinal flowers](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip21.jpg)
Cardinal flower Lobelia spp.
Toxicity class 1,4
![castor bean branch](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip41.jpg)
Castor bean Ricinus communis
Toxicity class 1
![potted cyclamen flower](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip5.jpg)
Cyclamen Cyclamen spp.
Toxicity class 2,4
![potted daffodils](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip6.jpg)
Daffodil (bulb) Narcissus spp.
Toxicity class 2,4
![daylily](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip7.jpg)
Daylily Hemerocallis spp.
Toxicity class 1 (cats)
![potted Dieffenbachia plant](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip8.jpg)
Dieffenbachia (Dumbcane) Dieffenbachia seguine
Toxicity class 3
![lily flower](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip9.jpg)
Easter lily, Oriental lily Lilium spp.
Toxicity class 1,2,4 (cats)
![potted elephant ear plant](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip10.jpg)
Elephant ear Colocasia esculenta
Toxicity class 3,4
![English ivy](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip111.jpg)
English ivy Hedera spp.
Toxicity class 2,4
![foxglove flowers](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip12.jpg)
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
Toxicity class 1
![potted hyacinth flower](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip13.jpg)
Hyacinth Hyacinthus spp.
Toxicity class 2,4
![potted jade plant](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip15.jpg)
Jade Plant (Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant) Crassula argentea
Toxicity class 2,4
![golden chain tree](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip16.jpg)
Laburnum (Golden chain tree) Laburnum anagyroides
Toxicity class 2
![potted mother-in-law's tongue plant](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip17.jpg)
Mother-in-law’s tongue (Snake plant) Sansevieria trifasciata
Toxicity class 2,4
![mistletoe](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip02.jpg)
![single mistletoe sprig](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip18.jpg)
Mistletoe Phoradendron spp.
Toxicity class 2,4
![potted flowering oleander](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip19.jpg)
Oleander Nerium oleander
Toxicity class 1,4
![potted monstera plant](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip20.jpg)
Philodendron Monstera deliciosa
Toxicity class 3,4
![potted rhododendron flowers](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip211.jpg)
Rhododendron azalea Rhododendron spp.
Toxicity class 1
![Sago palm](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip22.jpg)
Sago palm Cycas revoluta
Toxicity class 1
![potted Schefflera plant](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip23.jpg)
Schefflera Schefflera actinophylla
Toxicity class 2,4
![yew tree](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip24.jpg)
![yew needles](https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/html/C1245/images/mceclip110.jpg)
Yew Taxus spp.
Toxicity class 1
Keep toxic plants out of your pet’s reach or use fencing to keep pets away. This is not a complete list of plants that can potentially be harmful to your pets. For more information on plants that could be harmful to pets, check out toxic and non-toxic plants from the ASPCA, or poisonous plants for dogs and cats from the Veterinary Partner website.
Status and Revision History
Published on Feb 23, 2022