Pet safety
Is Dragon's tongue toxic to dogs?
Hemigraphis repanda
No — dragon's tongue is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs. It is a sensible choice for a home with a dog; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists the genus (as Hemigraphis exotica, the "Waffle Plant" / "Purple Waffle Plant," family Acanthaceae) as Non-Toxic to Dogs, Cats and Horses, with no toxic principles. Hemigraphis repanda is the same genus and family and shares this benign profile, so it is regarded as pet-safe. As with any plant, nibbling can still cause mild, transient stomach upset, so discourage grazing.
Is dragon's tongue toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is dragon's tongue toxic to dogs?
No — dragon's tongue is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs. It is a sensible choice for a home with a dog; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. The ASPCA lists the genus (as Hemigraphis exotica, the "Waffle Plant" / "Purple Waffle Plant," family Acanthaceae) as Non-Toxic to Dogs, Cats and Horses, with no toxic principles. Hemigraphis repanda is the same genus and family and shares this benign profile, so it is regarded as pet-safe. As with any plant, nibbling can still cause mild, transient stomach upset, so discourage grazing.
Is dragon's tongue safe for dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists dragon's tongue as non-toxic to dogs and dogs. A dog that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.
Is dragon's tongue toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Dragon's tongue is non-toxic to cats as well. See the full dragon's tongue pet-safety guide for both species.
What other plants are safe for dogs?
Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a dog home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best dogs-safe plants list to check more before you buy.
Full dragon's tongue pet-safety
- Is dragon's tongue toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is dragon's tongue toxic to cats?
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete dragon's tongue care guide