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Entry 261Filed under Breeding

12 Toxic Garden Flowers and Flowering Plants to Keep Away From Pets

Twelve garden flowers and flowering plants can pose risks to pets, but the hazards differ by species and exposure. True lilies and daylilies are especially dangerous to cats; contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service promptly after suspected ingestion.
6-minute read By Animalso Team
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Keep these 12 garden flowers and flowering plants away from pets: true lilies and daylilies, azalea and rhododendron, oleander, autumn crocus, tulip, daffodil, hyacinth, iris, foxglove, hydrangea, chrysanthemum, and amaryllis. The risk varies by plant, animal, plant part, and amount eaten; true lilies and daylilies are especially dangerous to cats because exposure to leaves, flowers, or pollen can cause kidney failure.

Do not treat this as a toxicity ranking or assume every plant affects every pet in the same way. If you suspect your pet has eaten a potentially toxic plant, contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service promptly rather than waiting for symptoms.

12 garden flowers and flowering plants to keep away from pets

  1. True lilies and daylilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis)

    True lilies and daylilies can be lethal to cats. Leaves, flowers, and pollen can cause kidney failure, and a cat may ingest pollen while grooming it from its fur. Keep these plants out of the home and anywhere cats can reach them.

    Do not confuse true lilies and daylilies with calla lilies or peace lilies; they are different plants with different toxicity profiles. If a cat may have contacted or eaten a true lily or daylily, seek veterinary advice immediately.

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  2. Azalea and rhododendron (Rhododendron species)

    The effects depend on how much a pet eats. A small exposure may cause stomach upset, while a large ingestion can cause severe signs, including irregular heartbeats and seizures. Prevent pets from chewing these flowering shrubs and contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

  3. Oleander (Nerium oleander)

    Oleander is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Its cardiac glycosides can affect the heart; reported signs include drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and depression, and severe poisoning can be fatal.

    Keep pets away from the plant and its fallen or cut material. After possible ingestion, contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service promptly.

  4. Autumn crocus or meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale)

    Autumn crocus is extremely toxic. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and may lead to heart effects, liver or kidney failure, abnormal bleeding, or bone marrow problems.

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    Do not confuse autumn crocus with spring crocus: autumn crocus is the far more dangerous plant. Keep bulbs and all plant parts away from pets, including animals that dig.

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  5. Tulip (Tulipa species)

    All parts of a tulip are toxic, but the bulb is especially concentrated. Ingestion can cause stomach upset and depression, and a large bulb may contribute to an intestinal obstruction.

    Store bulbs securely before planting and keep pets away from bulbs, dug-up material, and discarded plant parts.

  6. Daffodil or narcissus (Narcissus species)

    Daffodils are toxic to dogs, and spring bulbs are a key concern. Do not assume every exposure has the same severity, but prevent pets from chewing the plant or digging up its bulbs.

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    Keep bulbs securely stored and clear away bulb fragments and plant debris. Contact a veterinarian if a pet may have eaten any part.

  7. Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)

    Hyacinths are toxic to cats and dogs. Bulb exposure is particularly concerning among spring bulbs, so keep stored bulbs and planting debris out of pets’ reach.

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    Prevent chewing and digging, and ask a veterinarian for advice if ingestion is suspected.

  8. Iris (Iris species)

    Irises can pose a threat to pets if eaten. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. The risk can vary, so do not assume every exposure will be equally severe.

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    Keep pets away from the plant and its debris, especially while dividing or replanting it. Contact a veterinarian if your pet chews an iris.

  9. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

    Foxglove is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Its cardiac glycosides can disrupt heart rhythm; reported signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, arrhythmias, and cardiac failure, and poisoning can be fatal.

    Keep pets from chewing any part of the plant and contact a veterinarian promptly after possible ingestion.

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  10. Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

    Hydrangea is listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. It contains a cyanogenic glycoside, but gastrointestinal upset—such as vomiting and diarrhea—is more usual; cyanide intoxication is rare.

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    Keep pets from eating the plant. If ingestion occurs, contact a veterinarian for advice rather than trying a home treatment.

  11. Chrysanthemum or mum (Chrysanthemum species)

    The ASPCA dog plant list includes daisy and chrysanthemum among its toxic entries. This warning is supported for dogs; do not assume it establishes the same risk for every animal or species of chrysanthemum.

    Keep dogs from chewing mums and contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

  12. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum species)

    Amaryllis appears as a toxic plant entry on the ASPCA dog plant list. The reviewed source does not provide detailed clinical signs, so avoid assuming a particular symptom pattern.

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    Keep dogs from eating the plant and ask a veterinarian for guidance after suspected ingestion.

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How the risks differ

Plants Key concern Important distinction
True lilies and daylilies Kidney failure in cats Leaves, flowers, and pollen can be hazardous to cats; distinguish these from calla and peace lilies.
Oleander and foxglove Cardiac effects Both contain cardiac glycosides; reported signs and severity vary.
Autumn crocus Severe systemic effects Do not confuse it with spring crocus.
Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths Bulb exposure Bulbs are concentrated risk points, particularly for tulips and other spring bulbs.
Azalea and rhododendron Effects depend on amount eaten Smaller exposures may cause milder stomach upset; larger ingestions can cause severe signs.
Hydrangea Usually gastrointestinal upset Severe cyanide effects are rare according to ASPCA.

How to reduce exposure

  1. Identify plants before bringing them home. Check the plant’s full name, not just a common name, and keep its label. Similar-sounding names can refer to plants with different risks.
  2. Keep bulbs and planting material secure. Store bulbs where pets cannot reach them, and supervise pets around beds where they may dig.
  3. Use physical barriers where needed. Do not rely on training alone if a pet is prone to chewing or digging. Keep particularly hazardous plants, such as true lilies and daylilies, out of areas cats can access.
  4. Remove fallen or cut plant material. Pick up discarded bulbs and plant debris so pets cannot investigate or eat them.
  5. Choose alternatives carefully. ASPCA’s 2026 flower article lists roses, sunflowers, zinnias, gerber daisies, snapdragons, orchids, asters, statice, freesia, wax flower, and petunia as non-toxic examples. This is not a guarantee that eating plants is harmless: ASPCA notes that any plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset.

What to do if your pet may have eaten a plant

Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service promptly. Do not wait for symptoms, especially if a cat may have encountered a true lily or daylily, or if a pet may have eaten oleander, foxglove, or autumn crocus.

  1. Move your pet away from the plant.
  2. Identify the plant as accurately as possible, using its label or a clear photograph.
  3. Tell the veterinarian what part may have been eaten and when, if known.
  4. Follow professional instructions; do not try a home treatment unless a veterinarian or poison-control professional directs you to.

The ASPCA lists its 24-hour Poison Control hotline as (888) 426-4435. Confirm current contact information when publishing, and check local services if you are outside the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lilies toxic to cats?

Yes. True lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) can cause kidney failure in cats. Leaves, flowers, and pollen are concerns; keep these plants away from cats and seek veterinary advice promptly after possible exposure.

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Is autumn crocus the same as spring crocus?

No. Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is extremely toxic and should not be confused with spring crocus.

Are bulbs more dangerous than flowers?

It depends on the plant. Tulip bulbs are especially concentrated, and bulbs are key concerns for several spring-flowering plants. But other plants have different hazards, so do not assume that the above-ground parts are safe.

What should I do if my pet eats a garden flower?

Move your pet away from the plant, identify it if possible, and contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service promptly. Do not wait for symptoms or try a home treatment unless a professional instructs you to.

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