Pet safety
Is Annual Phlox 'Sugar Stars'toxic to cats & dogs?
Phlox drummondii 'Sugar Stars'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Phlox drummondii 'Sugar Stars'
Is annual phlox 'sugar stars' safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — annual phlox 'sugar stars' is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. 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. Phlox drummondii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The only Phlox on the ASPCA database, moss phlox (Phlox subulata), is non-toxic, which is reassuring, but because annual phlox itself is not confirmed, treat it with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe.
| 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 phlox 'sugar stars'?
Phlox drummondii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The only Phlox on the ASPCA database, moss phlox (Phlox subulata), is non-toxic, which is reassuring, but because annual phlox itself is not confirmed, treat it with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe. 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 phlox 'sugar stars', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate annual phlox 'sugar stars'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move annual phlox 'sugar stars' 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 phlox 'sugar stars' 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 phlox 'sugar stars'
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 Phlox 'Sugar Stars' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is annual phlox 'sugar stars' toxic to cats?
Annual Phlox 'Sugar Stars' (Phlox drummondii 'Sugar Stars') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Phlox drummondii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The only Phlox on the ASPCA database, moss phlox (Phlox subulata), is non-toxic, which is reassuring, but because annual phlox itself is not confirmed, treat it with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe. 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 phlox 'sugar stars' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Annual Phlox 'Sugar Stars' (Phlox drummondii 'Sugar Stars') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like annual phlox 'sugar stars' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats annual phlox 'sugar stars'?
Phlox drummondii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The only Phlox on the ASPCA database, moss phlox (Phlox subulata), is non-toxic, which is reassuring, but because annual phlox itself is not confirmed, treat it with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe. 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 phlox 'sugar stars', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate annual phlox 'sugar stars'?
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 phlox 'sugar stars' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to annual phlox 'sugar stars'?
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 phlox 'sugar stars' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete annual phlox 'sugar stars' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.