Which Common Plants Are Toxic to Dogs?

Ideas
Written By Amy Martin

Find out which common houseplants and outdoor plants are toxic to dogs.

Published: August 26, 2023 | Updated: September 14, 2026

If you’ve got a canine companion, it’s important to know that some houseplants and outdoor plants are toxic to dogs, ranging from mildly irritating to seriously dangerous.

Some dogs ignore plants completely, while others treat them like an all-you-can-eat salad bar. You know your pup best, so take precautions as needed!

If you think your dog has eaten a toxic plant or may be ill, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

Below you’ll find some common houseplants, outdoor plants, and weeds that are toxic to dogs.

Please note: These lists include many common plants that are toxic to dogs, but they are not exhaustive.

a dog sitting in a backyard on patio furniture with a thought bubble dreaming of eating plants.

Not every plant makes a good snack, Spud. Image © Plant and Bloom Design Studio

Which Houseplants are Toxic to Dogs?

Many popular houseplants can be harmful to dogs if eaten. Here are some common indoor plants to watch for:

  • Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen)

  • Alocasia (elephant ears)

  • Aloe vera

  • Amaryllis

  • Asparagus fern

  • Begonia

  • Bird of paradise

  • Caladium

  • Cyclamen

  • Desert rose (Adenium)

  • Dieffenbachia

  • Dracaena

  • Euphorbia, including pencil cactus

  • Ficus

  • Jade plant

  • Jerusalem cherry

  • Kalanchoe

  • Lavender

  • Lemon cypress

  • Monstera

  • Norfolk Island pine

  • Ornamental pepper

  • Oxalis (shamrock plant)

  • Panda plant

  • Peace lily

  • Philodendron

  • Poinsettia

  • Pothos

  • Sago palm

  • Schefflera

  • Scindapsus (satin pothos)

  • Snake plant

  • String of dolphins

  • String of pearls

  • ZZ plant

a black and white dog steals a baguette in a kitchen with thought bubble saying at least its not a toxic plant

Bodhi prefers baguettes. Image © Plant and Bloom Design Studio

Which Outdoor Plants are Toxic to Dogs?

  • Alliums, including onions, garlic, chives, and leeks

  • Autumn crocus

  • Azalea

  • Begonia

  • Black walnut

  • Bleeding heart

  • Boxwood

  • Carnations and pinks

  • Castor bean plant

  • Chinaberry tree

  • Chrysanthemum

  • Clematis

  • Coleus

  • Dahlia

  • Daffodils

  • Delphinium

  • English ivy

  • Foxglove

  • Gardenia

  • Geranium

  • Hellebore

  • Holly

  • Hosta

  • Hyacinth

  • Hydrangea

  • Iris

  • Lantana

  • Lavender

  • Lily of the valley

  • Milkweed

  • Morning glory

  • Mountain laurel

  • Nandina

  • Oleander

  • Peony

  • Pieris

  • Rhododendron

  • Sago palm

  • Star of Bethlehem

  • Tulips

  • Wisteria

  • Yew

Molly the black and white shaggy dog sitting amongst grass and weeds

Molly, the best girl ever. Image © Plant and Bloom Design Studio

Which Common Weeds are Toxic to Dogs?

You may also encounter potentially harmful plants growing naturally in yards, along paths, or at the edges of garden beds. Some common weeds and wild plants that are toxic to dogs include:

  • Bittersweet nightshade

  • Buttercup

  • Giant hogweed

  • Jimsonweed

  • Mayapple

  • Pokeweed

  • Poison hemlock

  • Ragwort

  • Stinging nettle

  • Tansy

  • Virginia creeper

Wild mushrooms deserve extra caution, too. Because some species can be highly toxic and mushrooms can be difficult to identify accurately, it’s best to keep dogs from eating wild mushrooms growing in the yard.

What If a Plant Isn’t on This List?

This guide covers many of the most common plants that are toxic to dogs. For a more comprehensive list, check the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database.

If you think your dog has eaten a toxic plant or is showing signs of illness, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

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