Southern Horticulture

Pet Friendly Gardening Guide (Northeast Florida)

Common toxic and non-toxic plants for cats and dogs, with a focus on gardens in St. Augustine and surrounding areas.

Important: This guide features plants commonly found in St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens and represents only a small portion of the ASPCA's database. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center maintains the complete authoritative list of over 1,000 toxic and non-toxic plants.

📋 For plants not listed here: Always check the ASPCA's searchable database or call (888) 426-4435.

💡 Good to Know: This guide helps you understand which plants curious pets should avoid. Most pets ignore plants entirely, but if yours likes to explore with their mouth, this information can help you make informed choices. If you ever have concerns about something your pet ate, contact your vet or ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

⚠️ Plants to Watch: Most Toxic to Pets in Northeast Florida

These plants are commonly found in Florida gardens and have caused the most pet poisoning cases according to ASPCA data.

Extreme Risk
Sago Palm
Cycas revoluta
ASPCA Warning: All parts toxic, especially seeds. Causes severe liver failure. Fatality rate over 50% even with treatment.
Extreme Risk
Angel Trumpet
Brugmansia spp.
ASPCA Warning: Contains tropane alkaloids. Causes hallucinations, paralysis, seizures, coma, and death.
Extreme Risk
Azalea
Rhododendron spp.
ASPCA Warning: Contains grayanotoxins. Even a few leaves can cause severe poisoning, cardiac failure.
High Risk
Caladium
Caladium spp.
ASPCA Warning: Contains insoluble calcium oxalates. Causes intense oral pain, drooling, difficulty swallowing.
High Risk
Colocasia (Elephant Ear)
Colocasia esculenta
ASPCA Warning: Contains calcium oxalates. Causes oral irritation, intense burning, drooling, vomiting.
High Risk
Alocasia
Alocasia spp.
ASPCA Warning: Contains insoluble calcium oxalates. Causes oral pain, excessive drooling, vomiting.
High Risk
Allamanda
Allamanda cathartica
ASPCA Warning: All parts toxic. Causes vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors.
High Risk
Yesterday Today Tomorrow
Brunfelsia spp.
ASPCA Warning: Contains brunfelsamidine. Causes tremors, seizures, anxiety, lethargy.
High Risk
Begonia
Begonia spp.
ASPCA Warning: Most toxic part is underground. Causes oral irritation, intense burning, vomiting.

Common Northeast Florida Garden Plants

This guide covers plants commonly found in our area. For the complete database of 1000+ plants, visit the ASPCA's Full Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List →

Showing all plants for Cats
Safe/Non-Toxic
Toxic/Potentially Harmful

Just In Case: What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Concerning

📞 Steps to Take (According to ASPCA):

  1. Remove your pet from the area and ensure they cannot access more of the plant
  2. Check your pet's mouth and remove any plant material if safe to do so
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian
  4. Contact your veterinarian immediately or call:
    • ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (consultation fee may apply)
    • Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
  5. Bring a sample or photo of the plant to help with identification