Open dataset · CC-BY 4.0
Houseplant & Garden Plant Toxicity — ASPCA-sourced reference
| Common name | Botanical name | Category | Toxicity rating | ASPCA-sourced detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pepper squash | Cucurbita pepo | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Cucurbita species are not listed by the ASPCA. Safe around cats and dogs. |
| Saintpaulia | Saintpaulia ionantha | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Saintpaulia as non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| Tillandsia | Tillandsia | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Tillandsia species are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| elephant ear | Alocasia macrorrhiza | tropical | Toxic | ASPCA lists Alocasia as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes intense oral pain, drooling and swelling. |
| true aloe | Aloe barbadensis | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Aloe vera as toxic to cats and dogs due to anthraquinones. Ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The latex layer just under the rind is more irritating than the inner gel. |
| blue giant hyssop | Agastache foeniculum | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Agastache foeniculum is not listed by the ASPCA. Safe in moderation for cats and dogs. |
| flamingo flower | Anthurium andraeanum | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Anthurium as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling and difficulty swallowing. |
| butterfly palm | Dypsis lutescens | tropical | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Dypsis lutescens as non-toxic to cats and dogs. One of the largest pet-safe houseplants. |
| nephthytis | Syngonium podophyllum | tropical | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Syngonium podophyllum as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral irritation, drooling, and rare vomiting. |
| rocket | Eruca sativa | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Eruca sativa is not listed by the ASPCA. Safe in moderation; large amounts may cause mild GI upset. |
| garden asparagus | Asparagus officinalis | edible | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Asparagus officinalis as toxic to cats and dogs due to sapogenins, especially the red berries on female plants. Spears are safe; berries cause vomiting and diarrhoea. |
| foxtail fern (Sprengeri) | Asparagus aethiopicus | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Asparagus densiflorus as toxic to cats and dogs due to sapogenins. Berries can cause vomiting and diarrhoea; skin contact causes dermatitis. |
| Hass avocado | Persea americana | edible | Toxic | ASPCA lists Persea americana as toxic to cats, dogs, horses, and especially birds and ruminants, due to persin. Leaves, bark, seed, and skin are most concentrated; the flesh is low-risk for dogs and cats but unsafe for birds and rabbits. |
| sweet basil | Ocimum basilicum | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Ocimum basilicum as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to grow on the kitchen windowsill. |
| sweet bay | Laurus nobilis | herb | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Laurus nobilis as toxic to cats and dogs due to eugenol and other essential oils. Large ingestions cause vomiting and diarrhoea; tough leathery leaves rarely tempt pets. |
| green bean | Phaseolus vulgaris | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Phaseolus vulgaris as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Raw beans contain lectins that can upset stomachs in quantity. |
| beetroot | Beta vulgaris | edible | Mildly toxic | Beta vulgaris contains soluble oxalates. Large amounts cause GI upset in cats and dogs; small portions are tolerated. |
| wax begonia | Begonia × hortensis | flowering | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Begonia species as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates, especially in the tubers. Causes oral irritation and vomiting. |
| sweet pepper | Capsicum annuum | edible | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Capsicum annuum foliage as mildly toxic to cats and dogs due to solanine; ripe fruit is safe in moderation. |
| crane flower | Strelitzia reginae | flowering | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Strelitzia reginae as toxic to cats and dogs. Symptoms include nausea, drowsiness, and digestive upset. |
| highbush blueberry | Vaccinium corymbosum | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Blueberry plants are not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. Fruit is safe for pets in moderation. |
| sword fern | Nephrolepis exaltata | tropical | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Nephrolepis exaltata as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A safe lush option for pet households. |
| calabrese | Brassica oleracea var. italica | edible | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Brassica species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses in quantity. Small amounts of cooked broccoli are widely fed to dogs without issue; large raw amounts cause GI upset. |
| urn plant | Bromeliaceae (various genera) | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Bromeliaceae (Guzmania, Aechmea, Neoregelia, Vriesea) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Pineapple is also non-toxic. |
| sprouts | Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera | edible | Mildly toxic | ASPCA-equivalent risk: Brassica oleracea contains isothiocyanates; small amounts are safe but large quantities cause GI upset and gas in cats and dogs. |
| donkey tail | Sedum morganianum | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Sedum morganianum is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| butternut pumpkin | Cucurbita moschata | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Cucurbita species are not listed by the ASPCA. Safe around cats and dogs. |
| New Zealand button fern | Pellaea rotundifolia | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Pellaea rotundifolia is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered safe around cats and dogs. |
| summer cabbage | Brassica oleracea var. capitata | edible | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Brassica species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses in quantity due to isothiocyanates. Small culinary amounts are tolerated; large raw amounts cause GI upset. |
| desert cactus | Cactaceae | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Most true cacti are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic. The bigger risk for pets is mechanical injury from spines and glochids. |
| angel wings | Caladium bicolor | tropical | Toxic | ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Causes oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. |
| prayer-plant cousin | Calathea (Goeppertia) spp. | tropical | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Calathea as non-toxic to cats and dogs. One of the safest tropicals for pet households. |
| rockmelon | Cucumis melo | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Cucumis melo is not listed by the ASPCA. Flesh is safe in moderation. |
| garden carrot | Daucus carota | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Daucus carota (carrot) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Frequently used as a healthy treat. |
| parlor palm cousin | Aspidistra elatior | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Aspidistra elatior as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A safe pick for pet households. |
| catmint (common) | Nepeta cataria | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Nepeta cataria is non-toxic to cats and dogs and listed by ASPCA as safe. The mild euphoria it causes in some cats is harmless and short-lived. |
| corsage orchid | Cattleya | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Cattleya orchids are not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. |
| cauli | Brassica oleracea var. botrytis | edible | Mildly toxic | Brassica oleracea isothiocyanates can cause GI upset and gas in cats and dogs in quantity. |
| German chamomile | Matricaria chamomilla | flowering | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists chamomile (Anthemis nobilis and related) as toxic to cats and dogs in quantity, with allergic dermatitis and GI upset reported. Tea-bag amounts are very low risk; garden bingeing is not. |
| aglaonema | Aglaonema commutatum | tropical | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Aglaonema as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. |
| pilea | Pilea peperomioides | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Pilea peperomioides is generally considered non-toxic and is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. |
| common chives | Allium schoenoprasum | herb | Toxic | ASPCA lists Allium schoenoprasum as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to N-propyl disulfide. Causes haemolytic anaemia; cooked or raw both dangerous. Cats are especially sensitive. |
| holiday cactus | Schlumbergera bridgesii | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Schlumbergera as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A safe holiday plant for pet households. |
| cilantro | Coriandrum sativum | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Cilantro/coriander is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| Natal lily | Clivia miniata | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Clivia miniata as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to lycorine and related alkaloids. Ingestion can cause vomiting, hypersalivation, and rarely cardiac arrhythmia. |
| painted nettle | Coleus scutellarioides | flowering | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to essential oils. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression. |
| ti plant | Cordyline fruticosa | tropical | Toxic | ASPCA lists Cordyline fruticosa as toxic to cats and dogs due to saponins. Symptoms include vomiting (sometimes bloody), depression, and loss of appetite. |
| sweet corn | Zea mays | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Zea mays is not listed by the ASPCA. Cobs can cause choking hazards if swallowed whole by dogs. |
| mass cane | Dracaena fragrans | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Dracaena fragrans as toxic to cats and dogs due to saponins. Cats can experience dilated pupils, vomiting, and depression. |
| garden cosmos | Cosmos bipinnatus | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Cosmos species are not listed by the ASPCA. Considered safe around cats and dogs. |
| alligator fern | Microsorum musifolium | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Microsorum species are not listed by the ASPCA. Considered safe around cats and dogs. |
| Dutch crocus | Crocus vernus | flowering | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists spring Crocus (Crocus vernus) as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — causes GI upset. Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is a different genus and severely toxic. |
| Joseph’s coat | Codiaeum variegatum | tropical | Toxic | ASPCA lists Codiaeum variegatum as toxic to cats and dogs. The milky sap causes oral irritation, vomiting, and skin contact dermatitis. |
| garden cucumber | Cucumis sativus | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Cucumis sativus as non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| narcissus | Narcissus | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Narcissus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to lycorine and other alkaloids. The bulb is the most toxic part; ingestion causes vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, and rarely cardiac issues. |
| border dahlia | Dahlia pinnata | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Dahlia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Symptoms are mild — vomiting, mild dermatitis — and serious cases are rare. |
| sweet potato squash | Cucurbita pepo | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Cucurbita species are not listed by the ASPCA. Safe around cats and dogs. |
| nobile orchid | Dendrobium | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Dendrobium species are not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. |
| dumb cane | Dieffenbachia seguine | tropical | Toxic | ASPCA lists Dieffenbachia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates and proteolytic enzymes. Sap causes severe oral pain, drooling, swelling, and rarely airway obstruction. Keep well away from pets and children. |
| common dill | Anethum graveolens | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Anethum graveolens is not listed by the ASPCA. Safe for cats and dogs in moderation. |
| corn plant | Dracaena fragrans / marginata | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Dracaena species as toxic to cats and dogs due to saponins. Symptoms include vomiting (sometimes with blood), drooling, and dilated pupils in cats. |
| Madagascar dragon tree | Dracaena marginata | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Dracaena marginata as toxic to cats and dogs due to saponins. Symptoms include vomiting, dilated pupils in cats, and depression. Rarely serious but worth keeping out of reach. |
| hen and chicks | Echeveria | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Echeveria species are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| aubergine | Solanum melongena | edible | Toxic | ASPCA lists Solanum melongena foliage as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to solanine. Ripe fruit is safe; green parts and unripe fruit should be avoided. |
| taro | Colocasia esculenta | tropical | Toxic | ASPCA lists Colocasia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes intense oral pain, drooling and swelling. Cooked taro corms are eaten by humans but raw plant material is severely irritating. |
| common ivy | Hedera helix | houseplant | Toxic | ASPCA lists Hedera helix as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to triterpenoid saponins. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain and drooling. |
| purple shamrock | Oxalis triangularis | flowering | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Oxalis as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to soluble oxalates. Large ingestions can cause kidney issues; small nibbles cause mild GI upset. |
| Florence fennel (bulbing) | Foeniculum vulgare | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Foeniculum vulgare is not listed by the ASPCA. Safe for cats and dogs in moderation. Aromatic oils may cause GI upset in very large amounts. |
| methi | Trigonella foenum-graecum | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Trigonella foenum-graecum is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered safe for cats and dogs in moderation. People should avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy. |
| banyan tree | Ficus benghalensis | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Ficus species as toxic to cats and dogs due to ficin in the milky sap. Causes oral irritation, vomiting, and dermatitis. |
| fiddle leaf | Ficus lyrata | tropical | Toxic | ASPCA lists Ficus lyrata as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The milky sap contains ficin and proteolytic enzymes that cause skin and oral irritation, vomiting, and refusal to eat. |
| clustering fishtail palm | Caryota mitis | houseplant | Mildly toxic | Caryota mitis fruit and sap contain oxalic acid crystals that cause skin and mucous-membrane irritation in pets and people. Wear gloves when pruning. |
| nerve plant | Fittonia albivenis | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Fittonia albivenis is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| painted nettle | Plectranthus scutellarioides | flowering | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Plectranthus scutellarioides as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to essential oils. Causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression. |
| wood forget-me-not | Myosotis sylvatica | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Myosotis sylvatica is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered safe around cats and dogs. |
| French tarragon | Artemisia dracunculus | herb | Mildly toxic | Artemisia species contain estragole and thujone-related compounds. Considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs in large amounts; culinary use is safe. |
| hardneck garlic | Allium sativum | edible | Toxic | ASPCA lists Allium species (including garlic) as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause haemolytic anaemia. Keep bulbs and foliage out of reach. |
| zonal geranium | Pelargonium × hortorum | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Pelargonium as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to geraniol and linalool. Symptoms include vomiting, depression, and dermatitis. True hardy geraniums (Geranium) are not toxic. |
| devil's ivy golden | Epipremnum aureum 'Golden' | tropical | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Epipremnum aureum as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral irritation, drooling, and rarely vomiting. |
| scarlet star | Guzmania lingulata | tropical | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Bromeliaceae are not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. Chewing is unlikely to harm pets. |
| habanero pepper | Capsicum chinense | edible | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Capsicum foliage as toxic to cats and dogs due to solanine. Capsaicin in fruit causes severe oral, eye, and GI irritation in pets. |
| zebra plant | Haworthiopsis attenuata | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Haworthia species are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| heart-leaf philodendron | Philodendron hederaceum | tropical | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Philodendron species as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. |
| Lenten rose | Helleborus orientalis | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Helleborus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cardiac glycosides (helleborin, helleborein). Causes vomiting, drooling, slow heart rate, and rare seizures. Sap also causes skin irritation. |
| kitchen herbs | mixed culinary herbs | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Most culinary herbs are pet-safe (basil, parsley, dill, thyme, rosemary). Chives, onion, and garlic are toxic to cats and dogs. Check each herb individually. |
| Chinese hibiscus | Hibiscus rosa-sinensis | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Hibiscus rosa-sinensis as non-toxic to dogs and cats, though it lists rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) as toxic to dogs. Identify the species before relying on safety. |
| honeydew | Cucumis melo | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Cucumis melo is not listed by the ASPCA. Flesh is safe in moderation. |
| wax plant | Hoya carnosa | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Hoya as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A safe trailing plant for pet households. |
| Dutch hyacinth | Hyacinthus orientalis | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Hyacinthus orientalis as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to alkaloids (lycorine) concentrated in the bulb. Causes vomiting, drooling, and tremors; sap causes skin irritation. |
| mophead hydrangea | Hydrangea macrophylla | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Hydrangea as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cyanogenic glycosides. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. |
| busy lizzie | Impatiens walleriana | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Impatiens walleriana is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered safe around cats and dogs. |
| bearded iris | Iris germanica | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Iris species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to irisin, iridin, and other glycosides. Rhizomes are most toxic; cause vomiting, drooling, and skin irritation. |
| money tree | Crassula ovata | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Crassula ovata as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting, depression, and slow heart rate in cats. |
| jalapeño pepper | Capsicum annuum | edible | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Capsicum foliage as toxic to cats and dogs due to solanine; capsaicin in fruit causes oral and GI irritation. Keep pets away from harvest. |
| flaming Katy | Kalanchoe blossfeldiana | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Kalanchoe as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to cardiac glycosides (bufadienolides). Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and rarely heart arrhythmia. Veterinary attention if ingested. |
| curly kale | Brassica oleracea var. sabellica | edible | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Brassica species as toxic to cats, dogs, and especially horses in quantity. Small amounts of cooked kale are widely fed to dogs without issue; large raw amounts can cause GI upset and goitrogen issues over time. |
| paradise palm | Howea forsteriana | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Howea forsteriana is not listed by the ASPCA. Safe around cats and dogs. |
| sword fern | Nephrolepis obliterata | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Nephrolepis obliterata is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered safe around cats and dogs. |
| broadleaf lady palm | Rhapis excelsa | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Rhapis excelsa is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered safe around cats and dogs. |
| English lavender | Lavandula angustifolia | flowering | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to linalool and linalyl acetate. Garden nibbles are low risk; concentrated essential oils and large ingestions cause vomiting and GI upset. |
| common balm | Melissa officinalis | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Melissa officinalis is not listed by the ASPCA. Safe in moderation for cats and dogs. |
| fishbone fern | Nephrolepis cordifolia | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Nephrolepis cordifolia is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered safe around cats and dogs. |
| Meyer lemon | Citrus limon | edible | Toxic | ASPCA lists Citrus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to citrus oils (limonene and linalool). Leaves and rind are most concentrated; the flesh is low-risk but acidic. |
| herb Louisa | Aloysia citrodora | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Aloysia citrodora is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered safe in culinary amounts. |
| West Indian lemongrass | Cymbopogon citratus | herb | Toxic | ASPCA lists Cymbopogon citratus as toxic to cats and dogs due to essential oils (citral and geraniol). Large amounts cause vomiting and depression; small culinary uses are tolerated. |
| leaf lettuce | Lactuca sativa | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Lactuca sativa as non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| May lily | Convallaria majalis | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Convallaria majalis as severely toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cardiac glycosides (convallarin, convallotoxin). Causes vomiting, slow heart rate, arrhythmia, seizures. Veterinary emergency. |
| butter beans | Phaseolus lunatus | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Phaseolus lunatus is not listed by the ASPCA. Raw beans contain small amounts of linamarin (cyanogenic glycoside); cooking destroys it. |
| living stones | Lithops | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Lithops species are not listed as toxic by the ASPCA and have no known toxicity reports. |
| ribbon plant | Dracaena sanderiana | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Dracaena sanderiana as toxic to cats and dogs due to saponins. Symptoms include vomiting, drooling, and loss of appetite. |
| lupin | Lupinus polyphyllus | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Lupinus species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to quinolizidine alkaloids. Seeds are most toxic; causes vomiting, salivation, tremors, and rare seizures. |
| delta maidenhair | Adiantum raddianum | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Adiantum species as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe for pet households. |
| majestic palm | Ravenea rivularis | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Ravenea rivularis is not listed by the ASPCA. Safe around cats and dogs. |
| variegated pothos | Epipremnum aureum 'Marble Queen' | tropical | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Epipremnum aureum as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Symptoms include oral irritation and drooling. |
| French marigold (T. patula) | Tagetes | flowering | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Tagetes as mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to essential oils. Skin contact can also cause dermatitis in sensitive animals and people. |
| parsley aralia | Polyscias fruticosa | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Polyscias species as toxic to cats and dogs due to saponins and triterpene saponins. Causes oral irritation and GI upset. |
| peppermint | Mentha | herb | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists garden mints as toxic to cats and dogs due to essential oils. A nibble is harmless; large amounts cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is significantly more toxic and should be avoided in pet homes. |
| Guiana chestnut | Pachira aquatica | tropical | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Pachira aquatica as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A safe statement plant for pet households. |
| Swiss cheese plant | Monstera deliciosa | tropical | Mildly toxic | Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes oral irritation, drooling and rarely vomiting. Keep cuttings out of reach during propagation. |
| Indian cress | Tropaeolum majus | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Tropaeolum majus is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered safe and edible. |
| chartreuse pothos | Epipremnum aureum 'Neon' | tropical | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Epipremnum aureum as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. |
| Norfolk pine | Araucaria heterophylla | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Araucaria heterophylla is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| ladies' fingers | Abelmoschus esculentus | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Abelmoschus esculentus is not listed by the ASPCA. Pods and foliage are non-toxic. |
| bulb onion | Allium cepa | edible | Toxic | ASPCA lists Allium cepa as toxic to cats, dogs, and especially horses due to N-propyl disulfide, which causes haemolytic anaemia. Both raw and cooked onion are toxic. Garlic, leeks, and chives carry the same risk. |
| moth orchid | Phalaenopsis spp. | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Phalaenopsis as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A safe flowering option for pet households. |
| wild marjoram | Origanum vulgare | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Oregano is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs in large amounts due to essential oils, though small culinary nibbles are not a problem. Treat as low-risk and keep concentrated essential oils out of reach. |
| garden pansy | Viola × wittrockiana | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Viola species are not listed by the ASPCA. Considered safe and edible. |
| neanthe bella palm | Chamaedorea elegans | tropical | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Chamaedorea elegans as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A safe choice for pet households. |
| flat-leaf parsley | Petroselinum crispum | herb | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists parsley as toxic to cats, dogs, and especially birds when eaten in large quantities, due to furanocoumarins. Culinary amounts are not a concern; concentrated essential oil or grazing on a whole plant is. |
| white carrot | Pastinaca sativa | edible | Mildly toxic | Parsnip foliage contains furocoumarins that cause phytophotodermatitis (skin burns in sunlight) — affects people and pets that brush against wet foliage in sun. |
| garden pea | Pisum sativum | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Pisum sativum as non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| spathiphyllum | Spathiphyllum wallisii | flowering | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Spathiphyllum as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Symptoms include drooling, oral pain, and difficulty swallowing. |
| herbaceous peony | Paeonia | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Paeonia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to paeonol. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea; serious cases are rare. |
| baby rubber plant | Peperomia obtusifolia | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Peperomia species as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Still worth discouraging chewing — leaf damage is unsightly. |
| bell pepper | Capsicum annuum | edible | Mildly toxic | Pepper foliage contains solanine and can irritate pets that chew it. Ripe fruit is generally safe but very spicy varieties can upset stomachs. |
| grandiflora petunia | Petunia × hybrida | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Petunia is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| heartleaf philodendron | Philodendron hederaceum | tropical | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists philodendrons as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling and swallowing difficulty. |
| variegated heartleaf philodendron | Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil' | tropical | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Philodendron species as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. |
| velvet-leaf philodendron | Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum | tropical | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Philodendron species as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. |
| climbing French bean | Phaseolus vulgaris | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Phaseolus vulgaris is not listed by the ASPCA. Raw beans contain phytohaemagglutinin — cook before serving. |
| freckle face | Hypoestes phyllostachya | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Hypoestes phyllostachya is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| elephant’s foot | Beaucarnea recurvata | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Beaucarnea recurvata as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A safe choice for pet households. |
| white potato | Solanum tuberosum | edible | Toxic | ASPCA lists Solanum tuberosum as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to solanine in foliage, stems, and green-skinned tubers. Cooked white-flesh tubers without green skin are safe. |
| devil’s ivy | Epipremnum aureum | tropical | Toxic | ASPCA lists Epipremnum aureum as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes intense oral pain, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. |
| maranta | Maranta leuconeura | tropical | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Maranta leuconeura as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A safer pick for households with curious pets. |
| common primrose | Primula vulgaris | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Primula vulgaris is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. Sap can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive people but is not a meaningful pet hazard. |
| field pumpkin | Cucurbita pepo | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Cucurbita species are not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. Cooked pumpkin flesh is often used as a fibre supplement for dogs. |
| salad radish | Raphanus sativus | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Radishes are not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. |
| red raspberry | Rubus idaeus | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Raspberry plants are not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. Fruit is safe for pets in moderation. |
| painted-leaf begonia | Begonia rex | houseplant | Toxic | ASPCA lists Begonia species as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates. Most-toxic part is the underground rhizome. Symptoms include vomiting and mouth irritation. |
| garden rhubarb | Rheum rhabarbarum | edible | Toxic | ASPCA lists Rheum species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Leaves contain oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides causing tremors, vomiting, and kidney damage. Stalks are safe for people; never feed pets. |
| hybrid tea | Rosa | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Roses are not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. The thorns are a mechanical hazard, but ingesting petals or leaves is not chemically harmful. |
| common rosemary | Salvia rosmarinus | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Rosemary is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Very large amounts can cause GI upset. |
| rubber tree | Ficus elastica | tropical | Toxic | ASPCA lists Ficus elastica as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to the milky latex sap, which irritates skin and digestive tracts. |
| common sage | Salvia officinalis | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Common garden sage is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs in typical garden quantities. Concentrated essential oil is a different matter and should be kept out of reach. |
| king sago | Cycas revoluta | houseplant | Toxic | ASPCA lists Cycas revoluta as severely toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Seeds are the most toxic part. Ingestion can cause vomiting, liver failure, and death; veterinary emergency. |
| scarlet sage | Salvia splendens | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Salvia splendens is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered safe around cats and dogs. |
| umbrella tree | Schefflera arboricola | tropical | Toxic | ASPCA lists Schefflera as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Symptoms include oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. |
| stonecrop | Sedum | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Most Sedum species are listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. A handful of less-common species can cause mild GI upset if eaten in quantity. |
| satin pothos | Scindapsus pictus | tropical | Mildly toxic | Scindapsus pictus is closely related to pothos and contains insoluble calcium oxalates. ASPCA-equivalent risk: oral irritation and drooling in pets. |
| mother-in-law's tongue | Dracaena trifasciata | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Dracaena trifasciata as toxic to cats and dogs because of saponins. Ingestion can cause nausea, drooling and vomiting. Rarely serious but worth keeping out of reach. |
| sugar snap peas | Pisum sativum | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Pisum sativum is not listed by the ASPCA. Safe and palatable to dogs in moderation. |
| snap | Antirrhinum majus | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Antirrhinum majus is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| mangetout | Pisum sativum | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Pisum sativum is not listed by the ASPCA. Safe for cats and dogs in moderation. |
| vegetable spaghetti | Cucurbita pepo | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Cucurbita species are not listed by the ASPCA. Safe around cats and dogs. |
| airplane plant | Chlorophytum comosum | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Chlorophytum comosum as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Cats love to chew the leaves — discourage rather than worry. |
| true spinach | Spinacia oleracea | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Spinach is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA but contains oxalates that may aggravate kidney issues in some pets; small amounts are safe, large grazing is not advisable. |
| summer squash | Cucurbita pepo | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Cucurbita pepo as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Bitter ornamental gourds are an exception. |
| elkhorn fern | Platycerium bifurcatum | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | ASPCA lists Platycerium bifurcatum as non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| sweetleaf | Stevia rebaudiana | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Stevia rebaudiana is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered safe in moderation. |
| garden strawberry | Fragaria × ananassa | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Strawberry plants are not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. Pets can eat the fruit safely in moderation. |
| banana vine | Senecio radicans | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Senecio species as mildly to moderately toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and sometimes lethargy. |
| dolphin plant | Senecio peregrinus | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Senecio species as mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Ingestion causes vomiting and GI upset. |
| rosary vine | Ceropegia woodii | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Ceropegia woodii is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| string of beads | Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus) | houseplant | Toxic | ASPCA lists Curio (Senecio) rowleyanus as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to alkaloids. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, lethargy and skin irritation. |
| savoury | Satureja hortensis | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Satureja hortensis is not listed by the ASPCA. Safe in moderation for cats and dogs. |
| common sunflower | Helianthus annuus | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Helianthus annuus is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. The seeds (with shells removed) are safely fed to many pet birds and even dogs in moderation. |
| sweet marjoram | Origanum majorana | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Origanum majorana is not listed by the ASPCA. Safe in moderation. |
| annual sweet pea | Lathyrus odoratus | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Lathyrus odoratus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Seeds contain BAPN (β-aminopropionitrile) which causes lathyrism — weakness, paralysis, and seizures. Never confuse with edible peas. |
| kumara | Ipomoea batatas | edible | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Ipomoea species (foliage) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to LSA-like compounds. Cooked tubers (the food crop) are safe; foliage and raw tubers should be avoided. |
| lucky heart | Hoya kerrii | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Hoya kerrii is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| silverbeet | Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla | edible | Mildly toxic | Beta vulgaris contains soluble oxalates; large ingestions cause GI upset and kidney irritation in cats and dogs. Small nibbles are low risk. |
| Adanson's monstera | Monstera adansonii | tropical | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Monstera species as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Causes oral irritation and drooling. |
| common thyme | Thymus vulgaris | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Thyme is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| garden tomato | Solanum lycopersicum | edible | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists tomato foliage and unripe fruit as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to solanine. The ripe fruit is safe. |
| lacy tree philodendron | Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum | tropical | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Philodendron and Thaumatophyllum species as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. |
| Darwin tulip | Tulipa | flowering | Toxic | ASPCA lists Tulipa as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to tulipalin allergens. The bulb is the most toxic part — severe vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and depression can result. |
| white turnip | Brassica rapa | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Brassica rapa is not listed by the ASPCA. Safe in moderation; large amounts may cause GI upset. |
| flaming sword | Vriesea splendens | tropical | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Bromeliaceae are not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. Safe around cats and dogs. |
| inch plant | Tradescantia zebrina | houseplant | Mildly toxic | The sap of Tradescantia species can cause contact dermatitis in pets and people. ASPCA lists Tradescantia zebrina as mildly toxic to cats and dogs. |
| water melon | Citrullus lanatus | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Citrullus lanatus is not listed by the ASPCA. Flesh is safe; limit rind and seed amounts for digestion. |
| waxflower | Hoya carnosa | houseplant | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Hoya carnosa is not listed by the ASPCA. Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| benjamin fig | Ficus benjamina | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Ficus benjamina as toxic to cats and dogs due to ficin and ficusin in the milky sap. Skin contact can cause dermatitis in pets and sensitive people. |
| giant bird of paradise | Strelitzia nicolai | tropical | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Strelitzia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to hydrocyanic acid in the flowers and seeds. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, and drowsiness. |
| mountain savory | Satureja montana | herb | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Satureja montana is not listed by the ASPCA. Safe in moderation. |
| absinthe wormwood | Artemisia absinthium | herb | Toxic | Artemisia absinthium contains thujone and absinthin. ASPCA lists Artemisia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; large ingestions can cause vomiting, seizures, and liver damage. Decorative use only. |
| spineless yucca | Yucca elephantipes | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Yucca as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to steroidal saponins. Symptoms include vomiting and drooling. Leaf tips are also physically sharp on some varieties. |
| common zinnia | Zinnia elegans | flowering | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Zinnia is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| courgette | Cucurbita pepo | edible | Pet-safe (no ASPCA toxic principle listed) | Cucurbita species are not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. Rare bitter fruits caused by cucurbitacin should not be eaten by people or pets. |
| Zanzibar gem | Zamioculcas zamiifolia | houseplant | Mildly toxic | ASPCA lists Zamioculcas zamiifolia as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Symptoms include oral irritation, drooling and vomiting. |
Methodology
Toxicity ratings and the per-species detail are taken from species records cross-checked against the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database (the standard US small-animal reference) plus US university extension services. "Pet-safe" means no toxic principle is listed for cats or dogs by the ASPCA — it is not veterinary advice, and any ingestion that causes symptoms warrants a call to a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Sources
- ASPCA — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database (aspca.org)
- US Cooperative Extension System plant fact sheets
Last verified 2026-05-15.
License & citation
This dataset is published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. You may reuse it commercially or non-commercially with credit. Suggested attribution:
Plant-toxicity reference table compiled by Growli (getgrowli.app), CC-BY 4.0, from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database and US extension services. Not veterinary advice.
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