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The essentials

  • Many common plants are toxic to pets — Most will only have mild effects if ingested, but a few, including daylilies and sago palms, can result in death.
  • You can have a green thumb AND be a pet parent — The list of non-toxic plants safe for dogs and cats is long, too! Keep our lists — and the ASPCA’s database — handy when shopping at the nursery.
  • Obsessive plant eating is cause for concern — Call your veterinarian if you notice your dog is eating grass more frequently than normal or has signs of stomach discomfort.

Pets love to sniff — and sometimes taste — what’s around them. The good news is that having dogs and cats doesn’t mean giving up a beautiful home and garden. If it’s time to spruce up your house or apartment, garden, balcony, or raised beds, this list of pet-safe plants, shrubs, and garden greenery will add pops of color and freshness while keeping your furry friends safe.

When shopping at the nursery or if you use a landscaper for your garden, make sure to mention the fact that you have pets. Most garden centers will make recommendations and help you find different varieties of pet-safe greenery and flowers for your home and yard.

Ultimate list of plants that are safe for dogs and cats

While the ASPCA warns that any ingested plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset for dogs or cats, it considers the below plants to be non-toxic. These are also among the most popular indoor plants, as defined by home-improvement giant Home Depot and #PlantTok and #plantfluencer life.

African violet

picture of a African violet flower

Sought after for their vibrant flowers, African violets are very pet-friendly and thrive in indirect light. They prefer temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit with about 80% humidity. If kept indoors, try to mist your plant a few times a week to recreate a humid environment.

  • Scientific name: Saintpaulia ionantha
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: n/a
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Areca palm

picture of an Areca palm

Also known as bamboo palm, golden cane palm, yellow palm, or butterfly palm.

An excellent air purifier that’s great with pets around, these beauties love indirect bright sunlight and regular watering. Be careful not to overwhelm it with moisture, though, as its leaves are known to quickly turn brown if left waterlogged. Pro tip: use room temperature filtered water when the top soil begins to feel dry. You’ll notice the difference!

  • Scientific name: Dypsis lutescens
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Boston fern (sword fern)

picture of an Boston fern

Feathery and lush, this gorgeous, pet-safe plant also has great air-purifying benefits and is known to grow to almost five feet. Just be sure to keep it away from drafty doors or vents and provide it with as much humidity as you can. If your fern is in a dryer area year-round, mist its leaves a few times a week to make it feel right at home.

  • Scientific name: Nephrolepis exaltata
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Bottlebrush

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

The bottlebrush is a leafy evergreen that can be either a tree or a shrub. This gorgeous greenery is pet-safe and can make a great addition to your landscape. They’re extremely drought tolerant and prefer full sun exposure; however, when they’re young, they need weekly watering if they don’t receive enough rainwater.

  • Scientific name: Callistemon citrinus
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Camellia

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

Camellias are broadleaf evergreens that are often used as houseplants or hedges. They have no known toxins and bloom with pink, red, white, lavender, or yellow flowers from fall to spring. They love morning sun, afternoon shade, and rich, well-draining soil.

  • Scientific name: Camellia japonica
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Canna lilies

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

This low-maintenance perennial is perfectly safe for your furry friends to be around. Canna lilies add pops of tropical colors like red, yellow, and orange. Make sure they get full sun, plenty of water and fertilizer, and pruning when needed.

  • Scientific name: Canna generalis
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Cast iron plant

picture of an cast iron plant

Also known as bar room plant, iron plant, or variegated cast iron plant.

Another great, air-purifying choice for your houseplant collection, cast iron plants aren’t super picky about regular watering and prefer shade or indirect light. Just be sure to not let them sit in soggy soil for very long, as they’re highly prone to root rot.

  • Scientific name: Aspidistra elatior
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Chinese money plant

Chinese money plant

Also called the pancake plant, coin plant, UFO plant, or sharing plant, this common houseplant and darling of Instagram is easy to propagate, hence the name. Keep in mind this fascinating little plant is different from the money tree, which is also pet-friendly. Water weekly and keep it in an area with medium to bright indirect light or else it can become leggy.

  • Scientific name: Pilea peperomioides
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Crepe myrtle

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

This flowering plant or tree hosts pink, red, lavender, or white flowers that are safe for animals to be around. Crepe Myrtles love full sun of at least 6 hours a day and don’t require any pruning to encourage new blossoms.

  • Scientific name: Lagerstroemia indica
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Echeveria

Also called painted lady, copper rose, or wax rosette.Echeveria plant

If you’re a pet owner looking to step up your succulent game, look no further than Echeveria. This beautiful little plant thrives in well-draining soil and loves a minimum of 6 to 12 hours of bright light, depending on the season.

  • Scientific name: Echeveria glauca
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Forsythia

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

These bright golden bells bloom in spring with little maintenance needed and can thrive in partial shade with little sun. They are often used as a pop of color or a hedge and are non-poisonous to pets. Since these safe plants are deciduous, they shed their leaves in the fall. They prefer well-drained soil and only need water about once a week (unless it rains).

  • Scientific name: Oleaceae
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Fuchsias

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

These regal purple or pink flowers are typically found in hanging baskets at any garden center. Fuchsias bloom from late spring to late fall and are a beautiful pet-safe option for any home or garden. They need bright indirect light, but be mindful of placement as they are prone to scorch in direct afternoon sun.

  • Scientific name: Fuchsia magellanica
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Common lilac

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

Lilac bushes bloom gorgeous purple flowers and are quite a site to see. If your pet is lured in by the fragrance, don’t fear — these safe plants are not poisonous, and the lilac flowers are even edible (according to the Colorado State University Extension [trusted url=”https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vth/” title=”Colorado State University Ja). They do require direct sunlight for at least six hours per day and well-drained soil.

  • Scientific name: Syringa vulgaris
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Magnolia bushes

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

Magnolia bushes are pet-safe and known for their fragrant blossoms. They can bloom in purple, pink, or white and need full sun. Most varieties can tolerate a little drought, but younger plants require regular watering for the first two years to become fully grown. They also don’t require much pruning.

  • Scientific name: Magnolia stellata
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Nasturtium (Indian cress)

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

The green leaves and red, orange, and yellow flowers likely won’t appeal to your pets, but if they take a taste, don’t worry. Nasturtiums are non-toxic and full of vitamin C (though it’s not recommended to feed intentionally). These cool annual plants are low maintenance and are often used to drape over garden boxes. Give them full sun and plenty of water in well-drained soil.

  • Scientific name: Tropaeolum majus
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Nerve plant

Nerve plant

Also called mosaic plant, jewel plant, silver threads, or painted net leaf.

Fittonia has beautiful graphic foliage and is also non-toxic to dogs and cats. They prefer low light and high humidity and need to be watered every 3 to 4 days (specifically when the soil surface begins to dry out). They also love humidity, so when keeping yours in a dryer space, try to mist a few times a week to make it feel at home.

  • Scientific name: Fittonia verschaffeltii
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Oregano

Oregano plant

In its natural form, oregano is generally safe in small amounts for dogs in case of accidental exposure or consumption. That said, oregano is also a cousin to catnip! A small pinch of dried oregano can be sprinkled onto cat food or medications to entice your furry friend into eating. Make sure your plant gets full sun and has well-draining soil.

  • Scientific name: Origanum vulgare
  • Toxicity: Generally safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: Too much can lead to GI upset

Parlor palms

Parlor palms plant

One of the most popular houseplants in the world, the parlor palm is another fantastic choice for a pet-safe household. Be sure to keep this one out of direct sunlight to avoid scorch, and keep the soil evenly moist (but not waterlogged). Plan to water more often if your plant is in brighter light, but still allow for the soil to dry out in between waterings.

  • Scientific name: Chamaedorea elegans
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Peperomia

Peperomia plant

There are many different varieties of this popular houseplant, and many are not only pet-friendly but easy to grow. Water them based on the amount of sunlight they get (they can tolerate low but prefer bright indirect). They’re tropical plants, so they prefer anywhere between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with some humidity.

  • Scientific name: Peperomia
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Petunias

Petunias

These colorful and versatile flowers are a very popular choice for gardens and yards. Make sure they get plenty of sun (at least 6 hours a day) and keep them trimmed for optimal health and beauty.

  • Scientific name: Petunia
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Polka dot plant

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

Also called measles plant, baby’s tears, and freckle face.

The polka dot plant looks like it sounds: a houseplant freckled with green and pink spots. Indoors or outdoors, this shade-loving perennial is harmless for pets.

  • Scientific name: Hypoestes phyllostachya
  • Toxicity: Generally safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: Mild vomiting, diarrhea

Ponytail palm

Ponytail palm

Non-toxic and easy to grow, the ponytail palm will bring a touch of elegance to any space. Despite the name, this unique plant is actually an evergreen perennial, not a palm. When given bright, indirect light and water once every two weeks, it can grow up to four feet tall!

  • Scientific name: Beaucarnea recurvata
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Rosemary (anthos)

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

Rosemary is a popular culinary plant that can provide an evergreen feature to your raised bed or landscaping. It’s a good ground cover that’s part of the Salvias plant family. Rosemary is among the common herbs that are safe for pets.

  • Scientific name: Rosmarinus officinalis
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Snapdragons

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

These delightful yellow, red, white, or pink blooms turn blue/green in the fall. The cool season annuals look good in bouquets and containers. They’re perfect for vertical gardening and require full sun. They are an important nectar plant for bees and are safe for pets.

  • Scientific name: Antirrhinum majus
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Spider plant

Spider plant

The spider plant is an extremely easy-to-care-for houseplant that’s non-toxic to pets and requires little attention. It’s known for its spider-like offshoots and air-purifying benefits. It loves moderate to bright, indirect light, and weekly watering. During the winter months, be sure to let the soil dry out a bit more in between waterings.

  • Scientific name: Chlorophytum comosum
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Star jasmine

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

Star jasmines are an ideal non-poisonous trellis plant. These evergreens bloom with fragrant flowers as they grow to be 30 feet long. They need about 2-6 hours of direct sunlight, but will also grow in shady spots.

  • Scientific name: Trachelospermum jasminoides
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Sunflower

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

Sunflowers can create a natural border around your home without causing harm to your pets. They grow several feet tall and turn during the day to face the sun. They need long, warm summers to stay in bloom. After they lose their petals, the seeds attract birds in the fall.

  • Scientific name: Helianthus angustifolius
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Sweetheart hoya

Sweetheart hoya

This heart-shaped succulent is sometimes a bit hard to find at big-box stores, so try local boutique shops or on Etsy. In addition to being adorable, they’re fairly low-maintenance, needing only a little water every two to three weeks. Just make sure they get plenty of bright, indirect light.

  • Scientific name: Hoya Kerrii
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Thyme

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

This low-maintenance herb is safe to have around cats and dogs. Thyme needs warm sun and free-draining soil, and it’s perfect for adding flavor to your dishes in the kitchen.

  • Scientific name: Thymus vulgaris
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Viburnum

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

Viburnum are pet-friendly evergreens that bloom white or pink flowers in the spring that become beautiful fall foliage ranging from yellow to red to orange. These hardy plants are low-maintenance, as they don’t require much water and can withstand drought.

  • Scientific name: Viburnum
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Wax plants (hoyas)

Wax plants

A variety of species also known as hoyas, these slow-growing vines are a good choice for a pot or hanging basket in bright light. Be mindful, though — too wet or too dry soil will quickly cause leaf loss.

  • Scientific name: Hoya carnosa
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

White ginger

picture of a colorful plant that's safe for dogs.

Also called butterfly ginger, cinnamon jasmine, garland flower, or ginger lily.

White ginger is a fragrant white flower that’s completely innocuous to pets. They prefer subtropical environments with lots of heat and humidity and tend to be very frost-tender. Full sun is best but blooms can also tolerate partial shade. They can be picky about soils, though, so make sure they’re in organically rich and well-drained soil.

  • Scientific name: Hedychium coronarium
  • Toxicity: Safe for cats and dogs
  • Toxic features: N/A
  • Clinical signs of toxicity: N/A

Looking for more pet-safe plant options? Here are some other, non-toxic houseplants you can try. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to search the ASPCA database to find the right plant for you and your pets to enjoy safely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsQcvdCONRA

Precautions about pets and plants

While all of the parts of the plants above are regarded as non-toxic if accidentally ingested, individual pets might have specific allergies or sensitivities, so it’s important to observe any changes in your pet’s behavior or health when introducing new plants to your household. Additionally, be cautious of fertilizers and plant food, as they can absolutely be harmful to pets if ingested.

Indoor and outdoor plants that are unsafe for dogs

While there are many pet-friendly plants for green thumbs, the list of poisonous plants is long. Consequences of ingesting one range from mildly irritating symptoms to potential fatality. The list includes trendy plants like Chinese evergreen , sansevieria (also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or snake plant ), golden pothos (also known as devils ivy ), and common yard plants such as azaleas, hydrangeas, and hostas.

Here’s a list of some of the most common plants in and outside your home that pose a risk to your pup:

Most toxic plants for dogs

Plant Description
Aloe vera While a useful houseplant, it may induce vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors in dogs and cats.
Azaleas and rhododendrons This family of plants is commonly used in landscaping, but the entire genus of these large flowering shrubs is considered poisonous for dogs. Toxins affect the intestines, cardiovascular, and central nervous system. Eating this shrub can result in vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and heart problems.
Boxwood Boxwood is often found in wreaths or arches, or as greenery, but ingestion can lead to dehydration, drooling, digestive problems, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Chrysanthemum Though chrysanthemums, nicknamed mums, won’t kill your pet, this plant is a natural insecticide that may result in vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, rashes, and a loss of coordination.
Daffodil and jonquil Daffodils contain tyrosine, a chemical that triggers vomiting. Eating a daffodil can lead to cardiac issues, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmia, and low blood pressure.
Dahlia Dahlias are toxic, though the reason why is unknown. Ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal problems and mild dermatitis.
Daisy Daisies are part of the chrysanthemum species so they are also toxic. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, incoordination, and dermatitis.
Foxglove All parts of the plant are extremely poisonous. Foxgloves contain naturally occurring toxic cardiac glycosides that affect the heart. Ingestion can lead to cardiac arrest and death.
Holly All holly varieties including the popular Christmas holly, Japanese holly, English holly, and American holly, are toxic. Eating holly leaves can result in vomiting, diarrhea, lip smacking, drooling, and gastrointestinal injury.
Hosta Popular because they thrive even with indirect light, hostas can cause stomach upset.
Hydrangea Hydrangeas are poisonous to people and pets in large quantities as there are toxic substances in both the leaves and flowers. Eating this plant can lead to diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting, and more.
Iris These spring blooms add a pop of yellow or blue to your garden, but they add a level of danger for your dog. Eating irises can result in mild to moderate vomiting, skin irritation, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea.
Lantana This popular, quick-growing ground cover adds a pop of bright yellow, pink, orange, purple, or red to your yard, but in rare cases can cause liver failure in cats and dogs.
Lilies Many lilies, including daylilies and peace lilies, are toxic to dogs and cats. While dogs may experience gastrointestinal upset, the risk is greatest for cats — they’re at risk of acute kidney injury or even death.
Peony This early spring blooming shrub has pink, red, or white flowers, but peonies contain a toxin called paenol that can lead to vomiting, excessive drooling, and diarrhea.
Sago palm All parts of sago palms are poisonous. They contain cycasin, a toxin that causes severe liver damage in dogs. The Pet Poison Hotline reports that severe liver damage can be seen within two to three days of ingestion and the survival rate is 50%.
Tulip The bulbs are the most toxic part of this plant, but every part of these popular spring flowers can hurt your dog. Ingestion can lead to convulsions, cardiac problems, difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal discomfort, and drooling.
Wisteria While beautiful, all parts of wisteria are poisonous — but especially the seeds. The seeds contain both lectin and wisterin glycoside and while ingesting one may not be fatal, as few as five seeds can be fatal to dogs and cats, and even cause illness in children.
Yew All varieties of the yew, a common evergreen, contain toxins that are poisonous to dogs. Every part of the plant is dangerous, as they have taxines, a bitter poison in the leaves and seeds. When ingested by your pooch, it can lead to vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, dilated pupils, coma, and even death.

What to do if your dog has ingested a potentially deadly plant, shrub, or flower

If you think your furry friend has ingested a poisonous plant, call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Delaying a phone call in a potential emergency can cause injury or even death. If you catch your pup munching on one of our aforementioned toxic plants, keep an eye out for symptoms of poisoning.

Dog owners may also call the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Hotline 24 hours at (888) 426-4435 or the Poison Pet Helpline at 855-764-7661 if they suspect plant poisoning.

👉 Check out our comprehensive list of all the foods that are unsafe for your dog to eat, plus pet-safe human foods.

Symptoms of plant poisoning in pets

Symptoms can vary as they are specific to each type of plant eaten. These are the most common symptoms you can watch out for:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Drooling
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty breathing

Plant poison prevention

The best cure for poisoning is prevention. Take note of any plants and shrubs in your yard or your house and identify any plants that may be dangerous. Then either remove these plants and shrubs or restrict your dog’s access to them. We’ve also rounded up a list of pet-safe pesticides and pest-control options for your yard and home.

Choosing pet-friendly plants can ensure the well-being of your furry friends while allowing you to enjoy the benefits and beauty of indoor and outdoor flora. Whether it’s the purifying Bamboo Palm or the colorful Snapdragons, incorporating non-toxic plants creates a harmonious environment for everyone in the household. Always research before purchasing a new plant, and monitor your pets for any adverse reactions, ensuring a safe and happy coexistence between pets and plants.

Frequently asked questions

What plants are OK to have around pets?

While many plants might not be an option, you can still have beautiful, colorful plants like snapdragons, marigolds, jasmine, and thyme in your yard and garden.

What is toxic in the garden for dogs?

When it comes to plants in your vegetable garden, there are some plants that you should keep your pup away from. Onions, tomatoes, chives, and garlic can all pose a risk to your dog. Consider fencing these sections in or ensure your dog is supervised at all times. It’s also important to keep dogs away from your compost pile. As foods are broken down, they may become toxic to dogs if ingested — particularly with dairy products and various pieces of bread and grains.

How can I identify toxic plants to keep away from my pets?

Along with this article, there are plenty of great online resources to check which plants you should keep away from your furry friends. You can also consult your local nursery or plant store to see which plants they recommend keeping away from pets. Overall, it’s best to do as much research as you can before introducing a new plant to your home or garden.

What are the early warning signs of plant poisoning in pets?

Symptoms tend to vary by plant, but often the first universal signs are vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, excessive salivation, lethargy, skin irritation, and loss of appetite. If your pet is experiencing any of these, contact your vet immediately.

Are there any houseplants that can improve indoor air quality for both humans and pets?

Yes! Plenty of the houseplants listed above provide air-purifying benefits, specifically: Spider plants, Boston ferns, areca palms, and cast iron plants.