Animal lovers go to great lengths to keep their furry companions healthy but when it comes to thinking about the landscape, many people are unaware there are plants, trees and shrubs that are toxic to animals. According to Earth Clinic and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, over 700 plants are known to be poisonous to animals. For a complete listing of these plants, please visit the Resources listed with this article.
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Shrubs
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The azalea is poisonous to animals Many common shrubs found in residential areas are poisonous to animals, particularly dogs and cats. Among these are hydrangea bushes that bloom in early summer and the American holly, whose leaves and berries are poisonous to dogs, cats and horses. Lily of the valley is dangerously poisonous to animals. Merely chewing a few leaves can cause such extreme problems as coma, cardiovascular damage, or even death. The popular flowering azalea that blooms in April and May is also a health hazard for animals. Feeding on this shrub can cause serious central nervous system damage.
Annual Flowers
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The marigold is a toxic annual flower. As soon as the danger of frost passes, flowers become a focus for many home gardeners who want to add a splash of color here and there to brighten up surroundings. Some of these short-lived plants pose a threat to animals. Popular annual flowers that are poisonous include the marigold, lantana, nicotiana and sweet pea. The seeds and roots of four o̵7;clock and morning glory are toxic if ingested.
Bulbs
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Most parts of the lily are toxic to pets. Quite a few poisonous bulbs should be kept out of reach of animals. For some, only the bulb may be toxic. Others have poisonous foliage, tubers or roots and flowers. It Steer clear of bulbs such as amaryllis, daffodil, elephant ear, iris, lily of the valley and tulip. Avoid lilies if there are cats in the area. The tubers of most lily varieties are poisonous to felines and can cause irreversible kidney damage if ingested.
Perennials and Wildflowers
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The black-eyed Susan is a poisonous perennial flower. Identify the plants and flowers in your pets' habitat. Some may be planted purposely but others may grow wild. Examples of naturally occurring plants include black- eyed Susan, many varieties of ferns and pokeweed. Other common poisonous perennial flowers and plants are kalanchoe, flax, Jack-in-the-pulpit, larkspur and foxglove.
Fruits and Vegetables
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Potato sprouts are poisonous to pets. Foods that are safe for humans may cause serious problems for animals that ingest them. The potato plant, for example, is dangerous for animals. Cooked potatoes are safe for a pet and many pet foods contain potatoes. The danger lies in potato sprouts and green potatoes, which contain a high level of solanine glycosides. Eating green potatoes or sprouts can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest and paralysis for an animal. Other vegetables and fruits to be leery of include tomatoes, onions, grapes and avocados. It is best to keep animals away not only from the fruit or vegetable, but also from the plants. The foliage, roots and blossoms of these plants can carry toxins.
Trees
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The black locust tree contains toxins throughout the entire plant. Trees pose a bigger threat to animals. They are larger, more difficult to get rid of and have more potential parts that can carry toxins. Foliage, bark, sap, flowers, roots and fruits or seedpods can be poisonous. The black locust, Sago palm and elderberry are trees that are entirely poisonous to animals. The horse chestnut and buckeye tree produce nuts that are toxic to most animals.
Container Plants
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The caladium is a popular container plant that is toxic to animals. Several plants used for indoor/outdoor container gardens can pose a health risk to animals. Caladium foliage and roots are poisonous to cats and dogs. Peace lily, schefflera and both English and German ivy are toxic to animals, as are poinsettia, Christmas rose and dracaena palm.
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