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Gardening: Learn about plants poisonous to pets

Is this plant poisonous to cats or dogs, is a question often asked in the plant aisle.
27459417_web1_191121-RDA-Poinsettias
This photo shows hundreds of experimental poinsettias in colours of pink, red, white and even polka dot patterns. Pointsettias are not nearly as poisonous as a persistent myth says. Mild rashes from touching the plants or nausea from chewing or eating the leaves may occur but they aren’t deadly, for humans or their pets. (AP Photo/Matt Houston)

Is this plant poisonous to cats or dogs, is a question often asked in the plant aisle.

Finding the correct information can be a problem with myths and outdated information circulating.

What is poisonous is complicated. How poisonous a plant is depends on how much is consumed and the mass of the animal. A plant may be completely poisonous or it can have parts that are poisonous and parts that are not. Some plants are poisonous if eaten, others will irritate the skin causing rashes.

Web sites are only as accurate as the sources of information they use and the amount of information they contain. When looking for a reputable source start with educational institutions as they are held accountable for the information they publish.

The University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Agriculture and Bioresources has a section called Gardening at USask. They have posted a list of plants at: gardening.usask.ca/articles-and-lists/articles-indoor-growing/poisonous-houseplants.php

This list was partly derived from information from the ASPCA, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The following link to the ASPA’s website allows people to search individual plants or print lists of plants that are poisonous to cats, dogs or horses: aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

The Pet Poison Help Line which operates throughout Canada, the United States and the Caribbean has a search bar allowing people to identify plants that are poisonous to pets. Using the website is free but calling and talking to veterinarians comes with a charge: petpoisonhelpline.com

There are numerous other lists of poisonous plants available on the internet and in print. Information can be contradictory so it is best to look up information on a plant’s toxicity from more than one source and compare the information.

Many people incorrectly believe that poinsettias are poisonous. Poinsettias are a member of the euphorbia family that excretes a white liquid which is an irritant and can cause a rash and discomfort but not death.

If eaten, holly, ilex can cause upset stomachs, diarrhea, dehydration and drowsiness. All are signs of poisoning.

Amaryllis bulbs are forced into flower in the late fall, early winter. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous if eaten. Likewise paper whites or narcissus are poisonous bulbs that are used for forcing.

Cyclamen tubers produce attractive leaves and colourful flowers during the winter months. They grow best in a sunny cool window. The tubers are poisonous to pets.

Christmas or holiday cacti are readily available at this time of year. Their white, pink, and orange flowers brighten up any home. They are not poisonous.

Norfolk pine are not poisonous and can be used for a living Christmas tree. The branches of a small norfolk are not capable of holding heavy ornaments.

Rosemary is a herb that has long been associated with Christmas. Keep this culinary plant in a bright window until it can be placed outside for the summer.

If poisonous plants could pose a problem to pets, research all plants using two or three sources before they are brought into the home.

Linda Tomlinson has gardened in Central Alberta for over 30 years. She can be reached at your_garden@hotmail.com.