How does your garden grow? Or rather, what is growing in your garden? Make sure you have pet-safe plants in your yard and garden, and find out which plants and flowers are highly toxic to pets.

Lilies

Lilies are dangerous for cats, especially the Easter Lily plants. Ingesting even a small can cause severe kidney damage in cats. Lily plants are found everywhere and have many different forms.

Sago Palm

All parts of the Sago Palm (aka: the cycad palm) are highly poisonous to pets, however, the seeds or nuts are the most toxic part. Just one or two seeds can result in serious problems such as liver failure or death. This plant tastes yummy to pets, so be extra careful. The ASPCA reports that the incidence of Sago Palm ingestion by pets has risen by more than 200% in the last five years. This plant is found mostly in warm temperature and tropical climates.

Autumn Crocus

Autumn Crocus plants are a variation of true crocuses, except they flower in the fall (hence the name). If pets ingest Autumn Crocus flowers, it can result in multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.

Azalea/Rhododendron

Azaleas contain cardiotoxins that can cause problems in pets such as vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness, depression of the central nervous system, and potentially coma and death. “Domesticated” azaleas and rhododendrons tend to be less toxic than the wild varieties. Azalea shrubs flower in the spring, with the flowers only last a few weeks.

Oleander

The beautiful Oleander is known as one of the most poisonous plants in the world. All parts of Oleander plants are considered to be toxic to humans and animals, however the sap is the most toxic element. Ingesting small amounts of Oleander, even after the plant dies can potentially cause gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia or death. Oleander plants are ornamental plants most commonly found in warm, tropical regions.

Tulip/Daffodil/Paperwhite Bulbs

Most everyone knows what the flowers look like, but you may not know how harmful the bulbs are to your pet. If a pet eats a large quantity of tulip or narcissus plant (daffodil and paperwhite) bulbs, it can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities. Small amounts generally cause an upset stomach or vomiting. So, once you plant your bulbs, keep an eye on them when your pet is near.

Castor Beans

The toxin in Castor Oil Plant beans or “seeds” is ricin, which can cause severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite in pets. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma, or death. Poisoning can occur if the seeds are broken or chewed. Odd castor bean fact: 4 can kill a rabbit, 11 can kill a dog, but it takes 80 to kill a duck.

Marijuana/Cannabis

You don’t usually find marijuana in gardens, given that it’s illegal, but it’s still in some people’s homes. A pet that ingests Cannabis can exhibit the following signs: depression of the central nervous system, lack of coordination, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, seizures and coma. Though dangerous, it probably isn’t deadly for pets unless ingested in large amounts.

Yew

Yew plants contains a substance called taxine, can seriously effect your pet’s central nervous system, symptoms include trembling, lack of coordination, and difficulty breathing. Toxic Yew plants can also cause gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death. Yew are small evergreen trees that come in many different forms, however, the leaves are flat and dark green.

Mushrooms/Toadstools

Often found growing in yards and gardens, mushrooms and toadstools should always be considered highly toxic for your pet. Ingestion of wild mushrooms can cause many issues, the most serious being liver failure and death in pets. Keep an eye on your yard and dispose of any mushrooms that pop up if you have a pet. Be especially on watch during times of heavy rain.

For more information on poisonous plants to pets, visit the Animal Poison Control Center from the ASPCA. Make sure you are planting a pet safe garden by using the ASPCA's searchable plant database.