Poisonous Plants

Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs and Cats

If You Suspect Plant Poisoning, Act Fast

If your pet has eaten or chewed on a plant you suspect may be toxic, don’t wait to see if symptoms appear. Many plant toxicities are time-sensitive, and faster treatment means a better outcome.

Immediate steps:

  1. Remove any plant material from your pet’s mouth (if safe to do so)
  2. Call us right away at (909) 875-6161 if it’s during business hours
  3. Call a 24/7 pet poison hotline if it’s after hours:
  4. Bring a sample or photo of the plant with you to the appointment

If your pet is showing severe symptoms — vomiting, seizures, difficulty breathing, collapse, or extreme lethargy — we MAY need to suggest that you go to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. See our Emergencies page for nearby options.

The Most Dangerous Common Plants

Some plants are far more dangerous than others. The following are among the most serious offenders we see in Southern California homes and gardens:

  • Lilies (all true lilies, including Easter, Tiger, Asiatic, and Day Lilies) — extremely toxic to cats. Even a small amount of pollen can cause acute kidney failure. If your cat has had any exposure, call us or a poison control hotline immediately.
  • Sago Palm — All parts are toxic to dogs and cats; seeds are especially dangerous. Can cause liver failure and death.
  • Oleander — Common in Inland Empire landscaping. Highly toxic to the heart in even small amounts.
  • Azaleas and Rhododendrons — Can cause vomiting, weakness, and heart problems.
  • Foxglove and Lily of the Valley — Affect the heart; can be fatal.
  • Castor Bean — Contains ricin; even one seed can be fatal.
  • Yew — Common ornamental shrub; affects the heart.
  • Autumn Crocus — Different from spring crocus; can cause severe organ damage.

Common Toxic Plants by Category

While not exhaustive, the list below covers many of the plants pet owners commonly encounter. If a plant isn’t on this list, that doesn’t mean it’s safe — when in doubt, check the ASPCA’s searchable database (linked below) or call us.

Household and Indoor Plants

Aloe Vera • Calla Lily • Caladium • Cyclamen • Dieffenbachia • Dracaena • Elephant Ear (Taro) • English Ivy • Jade Plant • Mistletoe • Peace Lily • Philodendron • Poinsettia (mild) • Pothos • Sago Palm • Schefflera • Snake Plant • ZZ Plant

Outdoor and Garden Plants

Azalea • Bird of Paradise • Boxwood • Buckthorn • Calla Lily • Castor Bean • Cherry Tree (pits and leaves) • Chinaberry Tree • Clematis • Crocus (Autumn) • Daffodil and Narcissus (bulbs especially) • Daphne • Foxglove • Holly • Honeysuckle • Hydrangea • Iris • Jasmine • Lantana • Larkspur • Lily of the Valley • Lupine • Marigold • Morning Glory • Oleander • Periwinkle • Poppies • Privet • Rhododendron • Tomato (green parts and stems) • Tulip (bulbs especially) • Wisteria • Yew

Wild and Field Plants

Bracken Fern • Bittersweet • Black Locust • Bloodroot • Buckeye • Cocklebur • Death Camas • Elderberry • False Hellebore • Henbane • Horsetail • Jimsonweed • Locoweed • Milkweed • Mountain Laurel • Mushrooms (wild) • Nightshade • Poison Hemlock • Poison Ivy • Poison Oak • Pokeweed • Water Hemlock

Trees

Black Walnut • Cherry • Eucalyptus • Horse Chestnut • Japanese Yew • Oak (acorns) • Pine • Red Maple

Other Toxic Botanicals

Avocado (especially pits and skin) • Cacao (chocolate) • Coffee plant • Macadamia nut tree • Marijuana/Cannabis • Onion and garlic plants • Rhubarb leaves • Tobacco

For the Most Complete and Up-to-Date List

The ASPCA maintains the most comprehensive, searchable database of toxic and non-toxic plants for pets. We highly recommend bookmarking it:

When in Doubt, Reach Out

If you’re not sure whether something your pet ate is dangerous, please don’t guess. A quick call to our team — or a poison control hotline after hours — can save your pet’s life.