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.
Identifying toxic plants
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.
If you suspect a poison–related emergency, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888–426–4435.

Amaryllis Amaryllis spp.
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis

Autumn crocus Colchicum autumnale.
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity, Dermatitis

Bay laurel (sweet bay) Laurus nobilis
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity

Caladium Caladium spp.
Toxicity class: Oxalates, Dermatitis

Calla lily Zantedeschia aethiopica
Toxicity class: Oxalates, Dermatitis

Cardinal flower Lobelia spp.
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity, Dermatitis

Castor bean Ricinus communis
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity

Cyclamen Cyclamen spp.
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis

Daffodil (bulb) Narcissus spp.
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis

Daylily Hemerocallis spp.
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity (for cats)

Dieffenbachia (dumbcane) Dieffenbachia seguine
Toxicity class: Oxalates

Easter lily, Oriental lily Lilium spp.
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity, Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis (for cats)

Elephant ear Colocasia esculenta
Toxicity class: Oxalates, Dermatitis

English ivy Hedera spp.
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis

Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity

Hyacinth Hyacinthus spp.
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis

Jade Plant (Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant) Crassula argentea
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis

Laburnum (golden chain tree) Laburnum anagyroides
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity

Mother-in-law’s tongue (snake plant) Sansevieria trifasciata
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis


Mistletoe Phoradendron spp.
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis

Oleander Nerium oleander
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity, Dermatitis

Philodendron Monstera deliciosa
Toxicity class: Oxalates, Dermatitis

Rhododendron azalea Rhododendron spp.
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity

Sago palm Cycas revoluta
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity

Schefflera Schefflera actinophylla
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis


Yew Taxus spp.
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity
Conclusion
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 be potentially 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.
If you suspect a poison-related emergency, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Status and Revision History
Published on Feb 23, 2022