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Pet-Safe Plants

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by Marie Hofer, Gardening editor, HGTV.com

Lots of dogs and cats like to chew on leaves, stems and berries. Most of the time, there's no ill effect. But some plants--such as golden pothos, dieffenbachia, some philodendrons and dracaenas, and peace lily--can be toxic to dogs and/or cats; depending on the variety of plant and the size and weight of the animal, effects can range from mild oral irritation to poisoning. If you have a pet that likes to nibble, place these indoor plants out of reach:

  • peace lily
  • philodendron
  • mistletoe
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    Dieffenbachia
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    Anthurium
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    Castor bean. The seeds of Ricinus communis are extremely toxic.
    Among the most toxic:

  • castor bean - seeds
  • Easter lily
  • yew
  • rose bay, oleander (Nerium oleander)
  • wild black cherry
  • daphne - berries
  • jasmine - berries
  • oleander - foliage and stems

    Moderately toxic:

    Dogs and cats tend not to eat--or even sample--these plants, but it would generally take a significant quantity to create significant toxicity:

  • dieffenbachia
  • anthurium
  • hyacinth
  • lupine
  • rhubarb
  • azalea, rhododendron

    Unless they're eaten in large quantities, plants like dieffenbachia, pothos and anthurium chiefly cause stomach irritation.

    other problematic plants

    Other things to watch for:

    Cocoa bean mulch. This byproduct of chocolate production contains caffeine and theobromine; both ingredients are poisonous to dogs.
    Systemic insecticides. Applying a systemic pesticide will render even a harmless plant poisonous to your pet.

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