Keeping Your Pets Safe: A Guide to Toxic and Non-Toxic Outdoor Plants

As pet owners, creating a safe environment for our furry family members is always a priority. While our gardens bring color and joy to our homes, some plants can pose risks to cats and dogs.

If you’re also bringing greenery indoors, we’ve shared our favorite pet-friendly houseplants and tips for creating a safe indoor space for pets in our blog Pet-Friendly Houseplants: Why They Matter to Me and to My Pets.

It’s important to note: any plant material can cause mild stomach upset if eaten by pets. Even plants considered non-toxic may cause vomiting or diarrhea if chewed. However, the plants listed as toxic should be taken especially seriously, as they may cause more severe reactions.

At Berns Garden Center, we want to help you enjoy a beautiful, pet-friendly garden without worry. Below is your guide to identifying toxic plants, recognizing warning signs in pets, and choosing safe alternatives to keep tails wagging and gardens thriving.

Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs

Some of the most common outdoor favorites can unfortunately be harmful to pets. Here are a few to be cautious with:

• Aconite (Wolfsbane)
• Agapanthus
• Allium (onions, garlic, chives)
• Alstroemeria
• Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia, Datura)
• Apple Trees (Malus)
• Asparagus Fern (Asparagus)
• Autumn Crocus (Colchicum)
• Azalea (Rhododendron)
• Bay Laurel (Laurus)
• Other examples: Begonia, Black Walnut, Boxwood, Foxglove, and more.

Non-Toxic Alternatives for a Pet-Friendly Garden

The good news? There are plenty of safe and beautiful options that won’t harm cats or dogs. Consider planting:

• Astilbe
• Banana (Musa)
• Basil (Ocimum)
• Beets (Beta)
• Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis)
• Calendula
  
• Cannas
• Carrots (Daucus carota)
• Catmint (Nepeta)

Other excellent choices include Coreopsis, Coral Bells, Fuchsia, Gerbera Daisy, Jasmine, and Impatiens.

Tips for a Pet-Safe Garden

• Research Before Planting: Look up plants before you bring them home.
• Create Safe Zones: Place toxic plants in areas your pets can’t access.
• Add Barriers: Use fencing, pots, or raised beds to block curious noses.
• Educate Your Family: Make sure everyone knows which plants are safe.

Shop Pet-Friendly Plants at Berns

At Berns Garden Center, we’re proud to offer a wide selection of pet-safe outdoor plants and houseplants so you can enjoy a lush garden without worry.

📍 Stop by our Beavercreek or Middletown locations and ask our team about pet-friendly gardening. We’ll help you choose the right plants to keep your garden vibrant and your pets safe.