Wildflowers that could harm your pet - from daffodils to foxgloves

06 April 2024 , 07:00

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Thankfully, most wildflower species are safe, but a select few harbour substances harmful to both cats and dogs if eaten. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

While wildflowers undoubtedly add much beauty to outdoor spaces, did you know that some varieties can pose a potential danger to pets?

A fair few contain toxins that can be harmful if ingested, causing symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to more severe issues such as organ damage or even death. Additionally, wildflowers may harbour other hazards such as sharp thorns or seeds that can cause physical injury or discomfort to curious pets exploring their surroundings.

Thankfully, most wildflower species are safe, but a select few are bad for both cats and dogs if eaten, say gardening experts at Garden on a Roll. With April being both and , now is a perfect time to highlight the dangers, particularly as the says wildflowers will continue to be a huge gardening trend this year.

Wildflowers that could be harmful to pets

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis): This fragrant and delicate flower may add charm to a garden, but its ingestion can lead to symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal upset to more severe cardiac issues in pets.

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea): Known for its tall spikes of tubular flowers, foxglove contains toxins that can cause cardiac abnormalities and gastrointestinal distress if consumed by pets.

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Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale): Despite its attractive appearance, the autumn crocus contains toxins that can result in severe gastrointestinal upset, kidney failure, and even death in pets.

Daffodil (Narcissus spp.): While daffodils are a cheerful addition to spring gardens, all parts of the plant, especially the bulbs, contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even cardiac arrhythmias in pets.

Azalea (Rhododendron spp.): These vibrant flowering shrubs are admired for their colourful blooms, but ingestion of any part of the azalea plant can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and even coma in pets.

It’s not just wildflowers that could be harmful to pets, and the Blue Cross has a helpful resource that outlines a list of other plants to be cautious of, which you can find

Garden expert and founder of Garden on a Roll, said: “As we all embrace the current trend for wildflowers and appreciate their simple beauty and ecological value, it is really important to consider your pets who obviously use your garden too. Some plants we consider ‘old favourites’ such as Azalea and Foxglove are in fact harmful to pets so if you have them in your garden and want to keep them, maybe use wire mesh to prevent your furry friends from potential harm.

"Most wildflower meadow seed mixes are in fact safe for pets and of course brilliant for pollinators and wildlife generally," he says. "My pet tortoises love them!"

Paul Speed