18/09/2026
If you have pets, it is worth knowing which common garden plants can be harmful if eaten. Here are five plants found in many South African gardens that pet owners should be aware of.
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Cycads can be highly toxic to pets if eaten, particularly the seeds. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and potentially serious liver damage. Keep fallen seeds away from pets and avoid planting cycads where animals can easily access them.
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Oleander is often used as a flowering shrub or hedge because it is hardy and requires relatively little maintenance. However, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. It can affect the digestive system and heart.
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While it attracts butterflies and adds plenty of colour, eating the plant can cause problems for pets, including vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and, in more serious cases, liver problems. Regularly remove fallen leaves and berries if your pets have access to the garden.
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Particularly recognisable for their white, funnel-shaped flowers, arum lilies contain compounds that can cause intense irritation of the mouth and throat when chewed, potentially resulting in drooling, swelling and difficulty swallowing.
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Clivia is indigenous to southern Africa and is commonly grown in shady areas. Its leaves and roots can be harmful if eaten and may cause vomiting, diarrhoea and other digestive problems.
If you suspect your pet has eaten a potentially toxic plant, contact your veterinarian promptly and, where possible, identify the plant involved.
A pet-friendly garden starts with knowing what is growing in it
