Wildflowers are becoming increasingly popular in gardens, with the predicting that wildflower borders will be one of the key gardening trends of 2024. However, whilst British wildflowers are beautiful and have numerous benefits for biodiversity, experts warn that pets could be at serious risk of illness or worse.
Talking to Country Living, Sean McCormack, Head Vet at , says: “As we head into spring, we see more wildflowers start to bloom. While letting certain species grow in their natural habitat might be a great way to breathe life back into your garden, those with curious canines need to be aware of certain species to look out for that can pose a risk to dogs if ingested.”
Wildflowers are beautiful, colorful additions to any garden However, some popular wildflowers like lilies and foxgloves can be highly toxic to cats if ingested. As a cat owner, it’s important to know which wildflowers are safe to plant and which ones to avoid. In this article, we’ll go over the dangers of toxic wildflowers, list safe alternatives, and provide tips on cat-proofing your garden
The Dangers of Toxic Wildflowers for Cats
Unfortunately, many common wildflowers contain toxins that can cause serious illness or even death in cats if ingested. Some of the most hazardous include:
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Lilies – All parts of lilies are toxic to cats, including the pollen. Even minor exposure can cause kidney failure.
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Foxgloves – Contain toxins that affect the heart rate and gastrointestinal system.
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Daffodils – The bulbs contain calcium oxalate crystals and alkaloid toxins that cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart issues.
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Azaleas – All parts are toxic. Ingestion causes drooling vomiting diarrhea, and even seizures.
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Bluebells – Contain poisonous glycosides that significantly slow the heart rate.
Cats are especially prone to plant toxicity because they groom themselves and can easily ingest pollen or sap through licking their fur. Always remove plants you suspect your cat has nibbled on and call your vet immediately. Timely treatment can help counteract poisoning.
Wildflowers Safe for Cats
While toxic wildflowers are common, many popular options are perfectly safe for cats. Here are some of the top cat-friendly wildflowers to consider:
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Sunflowers – Cheerful, sunny blooms that come in a variety of heights and colors.
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Coneflowers – Tall, hardy perennials with daisy-like flowers that bloom all summer. Popular types include purple coneflower and black-eyed Susan.
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California Poppies – West coast native with frilly orange, yellow, or red blooms. Self-seeds readily.
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Helenium – Bold, daisy-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, orange, brown, and bronze.
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Gaillardia – Heat and drought tolerant perennial with vibrant flowers in red, yellow, orange and combinations.
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Blackfoot Daisy – Pretty white daisy with a yellow center common in rocky, arid areas.
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Coreopsis – Delicate, yet tough, with cheery yellow or bicolor blooms. Great for borders.
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Yarrow – Airy flowers top feathery, fern-like foliage. Good for cut flowers. Many color options.
Just be sure to plant these in areas cats can’t access and remove spent flowers before they form seed heads. It’s smart to routinely check that your cat hasn’t nibbled any vegetation. When in doubt, call your vet.
Tips on Cat-Proofing Your Garden
Here are some useful tips to make your garden as cat-safe as possible when growing wildflowers:
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Research all plants before purchase and avoid known toxins. Refer to ASPCA’s complete toxic and non-toxic plant list for cats.
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Keep wildflowers confined to fenced or blocked off sections of your yard that cats can’t access.
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Install shelving or wall planters to display toxic plants fully out of reach.
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Use deterrents like citrus scents or herbal sprays designed to keep cats away from certain areas. Reapply frequently.
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Consider planting cat-safe alternatives like cat grass so your cat can nibble approved vegetation.
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Clean up aggressively as toxic lilies and other flowers start to fade and wilt. Don’t allow cats access.
With some smart precautions, you can let your cat roam your yard safely while still enjoying gorgeous wildflower displays. Get creative with strategic plant placement and safe alternatives so you don’t have to choose between your cat’s health and your dream garden.
How can you ensure your garden is dog-friendly?
Despite some wildflowers being toxic to pets, theres still an abundance of choice when it comes to planting.
“While there might be certain blooms you need to avoid, it is important to remember that there are plenty of pet-friendly plants you can fill your garden with, including sunflowers and snapdragons, which are sure to make your garden look beautiful,” notes Sean.
“Alternatively, if you do plant wildflowers that may be of risk to your pet, make sure that you keep them in a boarded-off area of your garden, which mischievous dogs can’t gain access to. Corner off the section with high fencing, which is secure enough to resist any highly energetic breeds. That way, they are free to roam the garden and burn off any built-up excitement without you worrying that they may come to harm.”
5 garden plants and wildflowers that are toxic to pets
A lovely fragrance and pretty white flowers make Lily of the Valley a popular choice in gardens. However, Sean warns: “Dog owners who are also keen gardeners may be aware that lilies can be poisonous to cats, but there are also some species that pose a dangerous risk to our dogs, too. “Lily of the Valley, in particular, is best avoided, as your dog simply licking fallen pollen off their fur could have serious consequences.What to Read Next
“While there are types of lily such as the daylily, the tiger lily, and the Peruvian lily, which are not poisonous for canines, it is still best to avoid planting them in your spring garden if your dog is prone to chewing on plants.”
What are the signs my dog may have ingested lilies?
“One of the main symptoms to look out for is low mood,” says Sean. “If your dog is normally happy and excited to see you but seems down or generally out of sorts, this could be why. “Other symptoms of lily poisoning can include stomach issues, or more severe cardiac problems if larger quantities are ingested.”
Foxgloves
Thanks to its height, shape and colour, foxgloves are perhaps one of the most eye-catching wildflower species. Theyre a popular choice in gardens that have a traditional meadow-like look.
What are the signs my dog has ingested foxgloves?
Unfortunately, foxgloves contain toxins that can cause cardiac abnormalities and gastrointestinal problems if eaten by pets. Initial symptoms include drooling, tremors and dilated pupils. If you suspect your dog has eaten foxgloves, treat it as an emergency and take them to a vet immediately.
A common and cheerful sight in spring, daffodils are seen all across the UK. Unfortunately, all parts of the plant, especially the bulbs, contain toxins that can cause pets to experience vomiting, diarrhoea, and even cardiac arrhythmia.
“Its best to keep them out of your garden if your pet regularly roams outside,” advises Sean. “Daffodils contain high levels of alkaloids and glycosides, and as a result, every part of the flower can be poisonous to dogs, from the stem to the petals.”
“Calcium oxalate crystals can also be found in the bulbs, causing dermatitis. Therefore, if you’ve recently moved home or welcomed a dog into your home, it is important that if you’ve had daffodils in your garden previously or you know that they grow naturally on their own, you remove any soil where they might grow – as even this could be toxic.”
What are the signs my dog has ingested daffodils?
The first sign your dog may have ingested a daffodil plant would typically be diarrhoea and vomiting. In extreme cases, a dog’s heart can be affected, and it can cause long-term stomach issues, warns Sean.
He says: “If you suspect that the bulb may have been consumed, the calcium crystals inside it can cause mouth irritation, so look out for signs such as a sudden loss of appetite, pawing at their face, or excessive drooling.”
Admired for their colourful blooms, these vibrant plants pose a risk to pets. All parts are considered poisonous – not just the flowers. Take care when planting and make sure to keep them away from inquisitive pets.
What are the signs my dog may have ingested azaleas?
The ingestion of the azalea plant can lead to symptoms including drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and seizures.
“Bluebells are often an encouraging sign that spring is on its way, with bluebell walks in the forest popular across many parts of the UK. But pet owners tempted to bring the pretty flowers home to their garden might want to think again,” warns Sean. “Bluebells are rich in scillarens, which are known to slow the heart rate down. They also contain poisonous glycosides, which would cause most animals, including humans, to feel extremely unwell if ingested.”
What are the signs my dog may have ingested bluebells?
Sean advises: “As with daffodils, if you notice your dog has been scavenging among bluebells, the first signs they may have ingested them are diarrhoea and vomiting, as well as abdominal issues or discomfort.
“If a large amount of the plant is eaten, your dogs heart rate can also decrease, so make sure you seek assistance from your vet as soon as possible.”
Which plants and flowers are safe or toxic for cats?
FAQ
Are wild flowers toxic for cats?
All of it except the roses, misty blue, and sunflowers is poisonous to cats.
Are wildflowers safe for pets?
Enjoy looking at wildflowers? Be careful: lilies, azaleas, rhododendrons, foxglove, African violets, bluebells, crocuses, and even daffodils can be dangerous to dogs. Some other plants that you should keep your pooch from snacking on include hemlock, wolfsbane, ivy, mountain laurel, elderberry, and flax.
What flowers are toxic to cats?
Which flowers are toxic to cats? Various flower varieties are hazardous to your cat. Common blooms like peonies, daffodils and tulips can be harmful if they eat them, and lilies should always be avoided.
What common flowers aren’t toxic to cats?
But when it comes to non-poisonous flowers that both cats and dogs are safe to be around, these include roses, orchids, sunflowers, freesias, snapdragons, stocks, germini, waxflowers, statice, limonium, veronica, and lisianthus.