9 poisonous garden plants for pets

February 2023

Gardening is a popular pastime for many people, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t know which plants are poisonous. Many common garden plants contain toxins that can cause skin irritation, nausea, and even death if ingested. It’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with certain plants before planting them in your garden.

Here are nine garden plants that are poisonous to pets:

1. Dieffenbachia

Botanical name: Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia, also known as Dumb Cane, is a popular houseplant that can be found in many homes and offices. While it is an attractive plant with its large, glossy leaves, it is also highly toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause intense burning and swelling of the mouth and throat if eaten. In severe cases, it can even cause difficulty breathing and death.

2. Oleander

Botanical name: Nerium oleander

Oleander is a beautiful flowering shrub that can be found in many gardens. However, it is extremely poisonous if ingested. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and even death if eaten.

3. Plumeria

Botanical name: Plumeria

Plumeria (commonly known as frangipani) is a beautiful flowering plant that is often used in gardens and landscaping. However, it is important to note that Plumeria is toxic and can cause severe skin irritation if touched. The sap of the plant contains an irritant called “furocoumarin,” which can cause skin rashes, blisters, and even eye irritation if it comes into contact with the skin.

4. Snake plant

Botanical name: Dracaena trifasciata

The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, is a popular houseplant that can be toxic if ingested. It contains saponins, which are toxic to pets if consumed in large amounts. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause convulsions and even death.

The snake plant is also known to cause skin irritation if touched.

snake plant

5. Datura

Botanical name: Datura

Datura is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It contains nine species of poisonous vespertine flowering plants belonging to the same family as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and peppers. All parts of Datura plants contain dangerous levels of tropane alkaloids and may be fatal if ingested by pets.

6. Peace lily

Botanical name: Spathiphyllum

The peace lily is a popular houseplant that is often used to decorate homes and offices. However, what many people don’t know is that the peace lily can be poisonous if ingested. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause burning and swelling of the mouth and throat, difficulty swallowing, nausea, and vomiting if eaten.

7. Pothos

Botanical name: Epipremnum aureum

Pothos is a common houseplant that can be found in many homes and offices. While it is an attractive plant, it is important to note that pothos is highly toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause burning and swelling of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract if ingested.

8. Philodendron

Botanical name: Philodendron

Philodendron is a genus of flowering plants in the Araceae family. It is native to tropical regions of the Americas and is one of the most popular houseplants in the world. While philodendrons are generally considered safe for animals, some species can be toxic if ingested. The sap from philodendron leaves contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation and burning of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract if ingested.

9. ZZ plant

Botanical name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia

The ZZ plant is a popular houseplant that is native to Eastern Africa. While it is an attractive and low-maintenance plant, it can be toxic if ingested. All parts of the ZZ plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to the mouth and throat if eaten. Symptoms of poisoning include burning and swelling of the mouth and throat, difficulty swallowing, nausea, and vomiting.

ZZ plant