Pet safety
Is Verbena × hybrida 'Superbena Stormburst'toxic to cats & dogs?
Verbena × hybrida 'Superbena Stormburst'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Verbena × hybrida 'Superbena Stormburst'
Is verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst' safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Verbena × hybrida 'Superbena Stormburst' is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't 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. Garden verbena (Verbena × hybrida) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. ASPCA does list 'Lemon Verbena' (Lippia citriodora) as toxic from its essential oils, while 'Sand Verbena' (genus Abronia) is non-toxic — but neither covers this bedding hybrid. Because the status is unconfirmed by ASPCA, treat with caution and verify with a vet; eating plant material can cause mild stomach upset.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst'?
Garden verbena (Verbena × hybrida) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. ASPCA does list 'Lemon Verbena' (Lippia citriodora) as toxic from its essential oils, while 'Sand Verbena' (genus Abronia) is non-toxic — but neither covers this bedding hybrid. Because the status is unconfirmed by ASPCA, treat with caution and verify with a vet; eating plant material can cause mild stomach upset. 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 verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst' 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 verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst' 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 verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst'
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)
Verbena × hybrida 'Superbena Stormburst' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst' toxic to cats?
Verbena × hybrida 'Superbena Stormburst' (Verbena × hybrida 'Superbena Stormburst') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Garden verbena (Verbena × hybrida) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. ASPCA does list 'Lemon Verbena' (Lippia citriodora) as toxic from its essential oils, while 'Sand Verbena' (genus Abronia) is non-toxic — but neither covers this bedding hybrid. Because the status is unconfirmed by ASPCA, treat with caution and verify with a vet; eating plant material can cause mild stomach upset. 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 verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Verbena × hybrida 'Superbena Stormburst' (Verbena × hybrida 'Superbena Stormburst') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst'?
Garden verbena (Verbena × hybrida) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. ASPCA does list 'Lemon Verbena' (Lippia citriodora) as toxic from its essential oils, while 'Sand Verbena' (genus Abronia) is non-toxic — but neither covers this bedding hybrid. Because the status is unconfirmed by ASPCA, treat with caution and verify with a vet; eating plant material can cause mild stomach upset. 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 verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst'?
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 verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst'?
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 verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete verbena × hybrida 'superbena stormburst' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.