Outdoor Plants That Are Toxic To Pets
- Vickie Foster
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
If the gardener in you is planning outdoor projects this season, keep an eye out for plants that can be harmful to your pets. Be especially wary if your dog mistakes plant material for dog food. A number of common garden plants are toxic to your four-legged friends. No matter how stunning your yard may be, it’s not worth it if you have to be constantly on guard when your pet is outside. Here is a list of a few plants that are best left out of your landscape because they are pet hazards.
Lily
Even though lilies have a heavenly scent and lovely colors, they are toxic to cats. Even small amounts can cause kidney failure. Pollen from a lily can even be harmful. Since cats are known to chomp on plants, it’s best to find an alternative.
Azalea
This springtime favorite with stunning pink and red blossoms contains a chemical called grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting and cardiac failure in pets if ingested. They are often used in ornamental gardens. But the colorful blooms can draw the attention of unsuspecting pets. Many other safer alternatives exist for your garden.
Daffodil
The bright yellow trumpet-like flowers of daffodils remind us all of Spring. But they have an unsavory secret. The sneaky flowers contain lycorine, a chemical causing severe digestive distress in pets. Don’t risk your pets health by planting daffodils
Oleander
The clusters of pink and white flowers of the Oleander are common in warmer climates. This is not a good choice for a pet-friendly garden, however. The entire plant is lethal to both pets and humans. Take care with its removal in areas frequented by pets.
Foxglove
These towering plants with their attractive tubular flowers frequent cottage gardens. But Foxgloves contain Digitalis, a chemical that can affect heart function in pets if eaten. This is not a plant to be put in yards with curious animals.
Sago Palm
Despite their attractive foliage, this plant is highly toxic to pets, especially dogs. Every part of the plant is poisonous and can cause liver failure.They present a significant risk, and should be excluded from pet-accessible areas.
Hydrangea
The big showy pink and blue blossoms of this bush make them a common part of a garden landscape. They are harmful to pets, though, because they contain cyanogenic glycosides. This chemical releases toxic hydrogen cyanide. Don’t be tempted to add them to your garden. Your pets will thank you for it.
Ivy
Ivies are often used to cover unattractive areas with their cascading green leaves. The saponins chemical it contains can cause vomiting and other health issues in pets. In addition to being harmful to animals, it is invasive and very hard to remove. Many other trailing vines provide an alternative to the danger of Ivy.
Wisteria
The dramatic purple blooms of Wisteria make an impressive display. But all parts of the plant are harmful to our furry friends and can cause digestive upset. It also requires constant pruning to prevent overgrowth. It’s best to skip this plant for your garden.
Alternatives
Many other alternatives are available to these harmful plants. Substitutes for flowering plants include sunflowers, marigolds, snapdragons and zinnias. Use hibiscus, roses and honeysuckle to replace flowering bushes or vines. An areca palm makes a good alternative to a sago palm.
Look for other alternatives to toxic plants at your garden center and keep your four-footed friends safe.
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