Quick answer: Popular dog-safe plants include sunflowers, snapdragons, zinnias, petunias, cosmos, roses, camellias, magnolias, basil, rosemary, thyme and sage outdoors, and spider plants, Boston ferns, calatheas, parlor palms, African violets, Christmas cactus and moth orchids indoors. Plants to avoid include sago palm, lilies of the valley, oleander, azaleas, foxglove, daffodils, tulip bulbs, yew, castor bean and autumn crocus. Non-toxic doesn't mean edible, so discourage chewing and check the ASPCA plant database before planting anything new.

What dog-safe really means

When we say a plant is dog-safe, we mean it's listed as non-toxic to dogs by trusted sources like the ASPCA. That doesn't mean your dog should eat it. Eating any plant material, even safe plants, can cause mild vomiting or diarrhea, especially in large amounts.

Some plants are also physically risky even if they aren't toxic. Roses have thorns, cacti have spines and some grasses have seed heads (called awns or foxtails) that can work their way into paws, ears and noses.

And remember that what goes on plants matters too. Fertilizers, pesticides, snail bait and some mulches can be far more dangerous than the plants themselves. Our spring lawn and garden safety guide covers those hazards in detail.

15 dog-safe garden flowers

Add color to your beds and borders with these cheerful, pet-friendly picks.

• Sunflowers. Tall, sunny and loved by pollinators.
• Snapdragons. Bright spikes of color in spring and fall.
• Zinnias. Easy to grow from seed and bloom all summer.
• Petunias. Great for borders, baskets and window boxes.
• Cosmos. Airy, cottage-garden flowers in pink, white and orange.
• Marigolds (Tagetes). Generally considered low risk, though the sap can mildly irritate skin and stomachs.
• Roses. Non-toxic, but keep thorny canes away from paths where dogs run.
• Camellias. Elegant flowering shrubs for shady spots.
• Magnolias. Beautiful flowering trees and shrubs.
• Asters. Late-season color that bees love.
• Bee balm. Bright, fragrant blooms for sunny borders.
• Nasturtiums. Easy, cheerful flowers that trail and climb.
• Impatiens. Colorful shade-lovers for pots and beds.
• Gerbera daisies. Big, bold blooms for containers.
• Hollyhocks. Classic tall flowers for the back of the border.

Plant in drifts of three or five of the same flower for the biggest impact, and leave space between beds so your dog has room to explore without trampling. Most of these flowers do best in full sun with well-drained soil, and many reseed themselves, so you'll get color again next year.

Dog-safe shrubs and trees

Shrubs and trees shape your whole yard, so they're worth choosing carefully. These are listed as non-toxic to dogs and make great structure plants:

• Magnolia. Big, fragrant spring flowers and glossy leaves.
• Camellia. Evergreen with winter and spring blooms, great for shade.
• Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). Late-summer flowers in pink, purple and white.
• Butterfly bush (Buddleja). Loved by butterflies and generally considered non-toxic, though it can spread in some regions.
• Bottlebrush. Bright red brush-like flowers for warm climates.
• Crape myrtle. Long-blooming trees for sunny yards.
• Dogwood. A classic flowering tree for spring color.
• Maple trees. Most are fine for dogs, though red maple leaves are toxic to horses.

Before planting a tree or large shrub, check what's growing beside it too. A safe tree surrounded by yew hedges or azaleas doesn't make for a safe corner.

10 dog-safe herbs for your garden or windowsill

Herbs are a great choice for dog homes, and many smell wonderful when brushed against.

• Basil. Easy to grow in pots and garden beds.
• Rosemary. A hardy, fragrant shrub that tolerates dry spells.
• Thyme. A low, spreading herb that works well along paths.
• Sage (Salvia officinalis). Soft, silvery leaves and pretty flowers.
• Parsley. Fine in small amounts. Avoid letting dogs eat large quantities.
• Dill. Feathery leaves that attract helpful insects.
• Cilantro. A fast-growing kitchen favorite.
• Lemon balm. Lemony scent, easy to grow.
• Peppermint. Grows vigorously, so keep it in pots.
• Lemongrass. Tall and fragrant for sunny patios.

Avoid planting chives, garlic and leeks where your dog can reach them. They're part of the onion family and toxic to dogs. Our toxic foods A to Z explains why.

15 dog-safe houseplants

Want greenery indoors without the worry? These popular houseplants are listed as non-toxic to dogs.

• Spider plant. Nearly indestructible and great in hanging baskets.
• Boston fern. Lush and leafy, loves humidity.
• Calathea (prayer plant). Striking patterned leaves.
• Parlor palm. An easy, low-light palm.
• Areca palm. A larger palm for bright rooms.
• Ponytail palm. A quirky, drought-tolerant favorite.
• African violet. Small, colorful blooms year-round.
• Christmas cactus. Holiday blooms without the worry.
• Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis). Elegant and long-blooming.
• Peperomia. Compact, with many leaf shapes and colors.
• Haworthia. A small, spiky-looking but soft succulent.
• Echeveria. Rosette succulents in pastel colors.
• Polka dot plant. Bright speckled leaves.
• Cast iron plant. Tough, low-light and slow growing.
• Bird's nest fern. Wavy green fronds for bathrooms and kitchens.

Even safe houseplants can be knocked over or dug up. Place pots on stable surfaces, use heavy containers and keep soil covered with large pebbles if your dog loves to dig.

Dog-safe container picks for patios and balconies

No yard? No problem. Containers let you grow color and herbs on even the smallest balcony. Choose heavy pots that can't be knocked over by a wagging tail, and place them on stable surfaces or plant stands.

Great dog-safe container combinations include petunias with trailing nasturtiums, zinnias with marigolds and a pot of mixed herbs like basil, thyme and rosemary near the door. Gerbera daisies and impatiens add bright color in partial shade, while ponytail palms and echeverias handle hot, dry corners.

Keep potting soil and fertilizer bags out of reach, and cover soil surfaces with large pebbles if your dog loves to dig. Our best dog breeds for apartments guide has more small-space tips.

Dog-safe plants for shady spots

Shady corners are often where dogs like to nap, so they deserve safe plants too. Try:

• Impatiens. Bright color in deep shade.
• Boston and bird's nest ferns. Lush green texture outdoors in warm climates.
• Camellias. Evergreen with beautiful blooms.
• Coral bells (Heuchera). Colorful foliage for borders. Generally listed as non-toxic.
• Cast iron plant. Nearly impossible to kill, perfect for dry shade.

Avoid planting hostas, which are popular in shade gardens but can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

What about the vegetable garden?

Growing your own vegetables with a dog around is absolutely doable, with a few precautions. Many vegetables are safe, but some plants in the patch are not.

Generally safe vegetables include carrots, green beans, peas, zucchini, cucumbers and pumpkins. Lettuce and spinach are fine in small amounts. Ripe tomatoes are usually okay, but the leaves, stems and green fruit can upset a dog's stomach.

Keep dogs away from onions, garlic, leeks, chives and shallots, which are toxic in every form. Rhubarb leaves are toxic, as are potato plant leaves and green potatoes. Grapevines are a hard no, since grapes can cause kidney failure.

The easiest solution is a fenced or raised vegetable bed. It keeps dogs out of the dangerous plants, protects your harvest from enthusiastic diggers and keeps compost, slug bait and fertilizers out of reach.

15 common plants to avoid

These popular plants are toxic to dogs. Some cause mild stomach upset, others can be life-threatening. If your dog chews any of these, call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away.

• Sago palm. Extremely toxic. All parts, especially the seeds, can cause liver failure.
• Oleander. Affects the heart. All parts are toxic.
• Azaleas and rhododendrons. Can cause vomiting, weakness and heart problems.
• Foxglove. Contains compounds that affect the heart.
• Lily of the valley. Affects the heart, even in small amounts.
• Daffodils. Bulbs are most toxic and can cause vomiting and heart issues.
• Tulips and hyacinths. Bulbs are the most dangerous part. Watch dogs who dig.
• Yew. Highly toxic shrubs often used in hedges.
• Castor bean. Seeds contain ricin and are very dangerous.
• Autumn crocus. Highly toxic. Can cause severe organ damage.
• Hydrangea. Can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
• English ivy. Can cause vomiting, drooling and stomach pain.
• Aloe vera. Can cause vomiting and diarrhea if eaten.
• Dieffenbachia (dumb cane). Causes intense mouth irritation and drooling.
• Pothos and philodendron. Popular houseplants that irritate the mouth and stomach.

Lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, even in tiny amounts. If you share your home with cats as well as dogs, keep lilies out completely. For a full list, see the ASPCA plant database.

A simple dog-safe garden plan

Not sure where to start? Here's an easy layout you can adapt to almost any yard.

Along the fence: leave a 2 to 3 foot path of grass, wood chips or pavers for your dog's patrol route. Behind it, plant sturdy shrubs like camellias or rose of Sharon.

Front border: a sunny strip of zinnias, snapdragons, cosmos and petunias for summer-long color. Add sunflowers at the back for height.

Near the door: a raised herb bed or a cluster of pots with basil, rosemary, thyme and sage. You'll brush past them every day and enjoy the scent.

Shady corner: a cool napping spot with a water bowl, impatiens and ferns in pots, and a soft blanket for lazy afternoons.

Digging zone: a small sandbox or loose soil patch where your dog is allowed to dig. Bury a toy or two to make it the best spot in the yard.

Garden safety for puppies

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so the garden needs a little extra attention during the first year. Supervise every garden visit until your puppy reliably leaves plants and soil alone.

Pick up fallen leaves, sticks, pine cones and acorns, which puppies love to chew. Store tools, hoses and garden gloves away. Fence off new plantings until your puppy learns the rules, and practice leave it every time they show interest in a plant. Our puppy teething guide has ideas for safe chewing outlets.

Signs your dog ate a toxic plant

Symptoms depend on the plant and the amount. Watch for:

• Mouth signs. Drooling, pawing at the mouth, swelling of lips or tongue.
• Stomach signs. Vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
• Heart signs. A very slow, fast or irregular heartbeat, weakness or collapse.
• Other signs. Tremors, seizures, wobbliness, pale gums or extreme tiredness.

If you think your dog ate a toxic plant, take a photo of the plant, bring a sample if you can and call your vet, an emergency clinic, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Fees may apply. Keep these numbers in your first aid kit.

How to design a dog-friendly yard

A great dog garden works with your dog's natural habits rather than against them. A few smart design choices can save your plants and your sanity.

• Create a patrol path. Dogs love to run the fence line. Leave a clear path of grass, mulch or pavers so they don't trample beds.
• Use raised beds. They protect plants from digging, trampling and marking.
• Plant sturdy borders. Tough shrubs and grasses can take a little bumping.
• Add a digging zone. A sandbox or loose-soil area where digging is allowed and rewarded. See why dogs dig.
• Offer shade and water. A shady spot and a fresh water bowl make the yard comfortable in summer.
• Pick a potty spot. Train your dog to use one area to protect lawns and beds.
• Choose dog-safe mulch. Avoid cocoa mulch, which can be toxic. Shredded pine or cedar are common alternatives, but watch for chewers.

Start small. Pick one change this season, like a patrol path or a raised bed, and see how your dog uses the space before you redesign the whole yard. Dogs have opinions about gardens, and watching them for a few weeks will tell you where the paths really need to go.

What to do if your dog chews plants

Some dogs nibble plants out of curiosity, boredom or teething. Others just like the crunch. Here's how to help:

• Supervise garden time. Especially with puppies and new dogs.
• Teach leave it. A must-have skill for the yard.
• Offer alternatives. Chew toys and safe chews give your dog something better to do.
• Burn energy first. Walks and play reduce boredom chewing.
• Fence off delicate plants. Low fences, cloches or decorative edging help.
• Talk to your vet. Constant plant eating can sometimes signal stomach upset or a nutritional issue.

Curious why dogs graze on grass? Read why does my dog eat grass.

If your dog suddenly starts eating plants or grass much more than usual, especially with vomiting, diarrhea or a change in appetite, mention it to your vet. A sudden change in habits is always worth a quick check, and your vet can rule out an upset stomach or other issue.

Season by season garden safety

Garden risks change through the year:

• Spring. Bulbs (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths), fertilizers and fresh mulch.
• Summer. Foxtails and grass awns, pesticides, compost and heat.
• Fall. Mushrooms, fallen fruit and acorns, and autumn crocus.
• Winter. Holiday plants indoors like poinsettias and amaryllis. See our holiday plants guide.

A quick walk around the yard at the start of each season helps you spot new risks before your dog does.

Shopping tips at the garden center

Plant labels rarely mention pets, so a little prep goes a long way. Save the ASPCA plant list on your phone and check before you buy.

Look up plants by their scientific name when possible, since common names can be confusing. For example, several unrelated plants are called lilies, and not all daisies are the same.

Ask garden center staff whether plants have been treated with systemic pesticides, which can be absorbed into the leaves. Rinse new plants and replace the top layer of soil if you're unsure. And keep plant tags in a folder, so if your dog ever chews something, you know exactly what it was.

Choosing grass and ground cover for dogs

Dogs can be tough on lawns. Running, digging and urine spots all take a toll. Durable grasses like Bermuda, Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue tend to hold up well, depending on your climate. Ask your local garden center what grows best in your region.

Clover is a popular dog-friendly lawn alternative because it stays green, resists urine spots and needs less mowing. Creeping thyme works well between pavers, and artificial turf is an option for small, high-traffic areas, though it can get hot in summer.

Whatever you choose, skip chemical weed and feed products where your dog plays, or follow the label closely and keep your dog off the lawn until it's safe.

Plant safety myths

A few common beliefs can catch dog parents out:

• Dogs instinctively avoid toxic plants. Many don't, especially puppies and bored dogs.
• If it's sold for gardens, it must be safe. Garden centers rarely label plants for pet safety.
• Natural mulch is always safe. Cocoa mulch can be toxic, and some mulches hide mold.
• Only flowers are dangerous. Bulbs, seeds, berries and leaves can all be toxic.
• A little nibble won't hurt. For plants like sago palm and lily of the valley, small amounts can be serious.

Cheat sheet

Before you plant:

• Check the ASPCA plant list first.
• Safe doesn't mean edible.
• Skip sago palm, oleander, azaleas, foxglove and lily of the valley.
• Watch digging dogs around bulbs.
• Avoid cocoa mulch and toxic garden products.
• Call poison control if your dog eats a toxic plant.

• Check before you plant. The ASPCA list is your best friend.
• Safe isn't edible. Discourage chewing any plant.
• Know the dangerous few. Sago palm, oleander and bulbs top the list.
• Design for your dog. Paths, raised beds and a digging zone.
• Watch the extras. Fertilizer, pesticides and cocoa mulch.

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What plants are safe for dogs?

Sunflowers, snapdragons, zinnias, petunias, roses, basil, rosemary, spider plants, Boston ferns and calatheas are popular dog-safe picks.

What garden plants are toxic to dogs?

Sago palm, oleander, azaleas, foxglove, lily of the valley, yew, daffodils and tulip bulbs are common examples.

Are succulents safe for dogs?

Some are, like haworthia and echeveria. Others, like aloe vera and jade plants, are toxic.

Are herbs safe for dogs?

Most common herbs like basil, rosemary and thyme are safe. Avoid chives and garlic.

Are roses safe for dogs?

Yes, roses are non-toxic, but the thorns can cause injuries.

Is lavender safe for dogs?

Lavender contains compounds that can upset a dog's stomach in larger amounts. Keep it where dogs won't chew it.

What should I do if my dog eats a toxic plant?

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away and bring a photo or sample of the plant.

Is cocoa mulch safe for dogs?

No. It can contain theobromine, the same toxin found in chocolate.

Are spider plants safe for dogs?

Yes, spider plants are listed as non-toxic to dogs.

How do I stop my dog from eating plants?

Supervise, teach leave it, offer chew toys and fence off delicate plants.