Pet safety
Is Annual Clarytoxic to cats & dogs?
Salvia viridis
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Salvia viridis
Is annual clary safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags annual clary as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Salvia viridis (annual clary) is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic Plant database. As a member of the Salvia genus it contains volatile essential oils including camphor and linalool that may cause mild gastrointestinal signs (drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea) if significant quantities of plant material are ingested by cats or dogs; classified as mildly-toxic by precaution.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats annual clary?
Salvia viridis (annual clary) is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic Plant database. As a member of the Salvia genus it contains volatile essential oils including camphor and linalool that may cause mild gastrointestinal signs (drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea) if significant quantities of plant material are ingested by cats or dogs; classified as mildly-toxic by precaution. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to annual clary, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate annual clary
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move annual clary out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of annual clary to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to annual clary
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Annual Clary and pets — frequently asked questions
Is annual clary toxic to cats?
Annual Clary (Salvia viridis) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Salvia viridis (annual clary) is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic Plant database. As a member of the Salvia genus it contains volatile essential oils including camphor and linalool that may cause mild gastrointestinal signs (drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea) if significant quantities of plant material are ingested by cats or dogs; classified as mildly-toxic by precaution. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is annual clary toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Annual Clary (Salvia viridis) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like annual clary is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats annual clary?
Salvia viridis (annual clary) is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic Plant database. As a member of the Salvia genus it contains volatile essential oils including camphor and linalool that may cause mild gastrointestinal signs (drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea) if significant quantities of plant material are ingested by cats or dogs; classified as mildly-toxic by precaution. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to annual clary, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate annual clary?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of annual clary to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to annual clary?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full annual clary care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete annual clary care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.