Paws Off These 15 Common Plants!

Fast Facts, Helpful Tips

Now that March is coming to a close, we can say that (hopefully) spring is about to be sprung in Edmonton. We know that means lots of you will be getting back in the garden! Since we have a new season on the horizon, and March happens to be Pet Poison Awareness Month, we thought it would be the perfect time to share a list of common garden and houseplants that are dangerous to pets!

What Makes Plants Poisonous to Pets?

There are multiple groups of toxins in plants that pose health risks for our pets, but one common group of poisonous chemicals is called saponins. Many plants are covered in a waxy surface that protects the plant from water loss, and also serves as part of the plants’ immune function. Saponins make up parts of this protective covering. Consumption of these pesky chemicals generally results in vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, and excessive drooling in pets. Saponins can also be found in the stems, roots, and fruits of saponin-containing plants. Many plants on our list today are considered toxic to pets because of this group of chemicals.

15 Poisonous Plants

  • Aloe Vera
  • Jade Plant
  • English Ivy
  • Alocasia aka Elephant’s Ear
  • Amaryllis
Left: Alocasia, Top Middle: Jade Plant, Top Right: English Ivy, Bottom Middle: Aloe Vera, Bottom Right: Amaryllis
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Easter Lilies
  • Tulips
  • Poinsetta
  • Oleander
Top Left to Right: Chrysanthemum, Easter Lily, Bottom Left to Right: Tulips, Poinsetta, Oleander
  • Chamomile
  • Periwinkle
  • Hydrangea
  • Foxglove
  • Daffodil
Top Left to Right: Chamomile, Periwinkle, Hydrangea, Bottom Left to Right: Foxglove, Daffodil

How many of these plants did you know were pet poisons? Cheers to Spring and keeping our gardens and homes safe for our fur-babies!