Creating a beautiful garden or indoor space with pets in mind can be challenging. It’s crucial to choose plants, shrubs, and trees that won’t harm your furry friends if they decide to nibble or play around them. Fortunately, there are many pet-safe options that can add color, texture, and greenery to your home or yard. Here’s a comprehensive list of 38 dog-safe plants, shrubs, and trees that are both attractive and safe for dogs.
Dog-Safe Indoor Plants
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Description: Hardy and easy to grow with arching leaves.
- Benefits: Air-purifying and non-toxic to dogs.
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Description: Lush, feathery fronds add a touch of elegance.
- Benefits: Great for humid environments and safe for pets.
- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Description: Tall, graceful palm with feathery leaves.
- Benefits: Adds a tropical feel and is non-toxic.
- Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Description: Attractive, bushy plant with small fronds.
- Benefits: Effective at filtering indoor air and pet-safe.
- Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Description: Compact and elegant palm for small spaces.
- Benefits: Safe for dogs and easy to care for.
- African Violet (Saintpaulia)
- Description: Vibrant, colorful blooms.
- Benefits: Adds color indoors and is non-toxic to dogs.
- Phalaenopsis Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)
- Description: Elegant flowers with a long bloom time.
- Benefits: Beautiful and safe for pets.
- Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
- Description: Small succulent with rosette-shaped leaves.
- Benefits: Low maintenance and dog-friendly.
- Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Description: Tough, low-maintenance plant with large leaves.
- Benefits: Resistant to neglect and safe for dogs.
- Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
- Description: Unique textured leaves and compact size.
- Benefits: Safe for pets and adds texture to indoor spaces.
Dog-Safe Outdoor Plants
- Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
- Description: Bright, cheerful flowers.
- Benefits: Non-toxic and deters some garden pests.
- Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
- Description: Colorful blooms that resemble dragon heads.
- Benefits: Safe for dogs and adds vibrant color.
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
- Description: Tall plants with large, sunny blooms.
- Benefits: Safe for pets and attracts pollinators.
- Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
- Description: Hardy annual with bright, daisy-like flowers.
- Benefits: Non-toxic and easy to grow.
- Petunia (Petunia spp.)
- Description: Vibrant flowers available in various colors.
- Benefits: Safe for dogs and adds colorful accents.
- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
- Description: Ground cover with trailing foliage.
- Benefits: Non-toxic and provides excellent ground coverage.
- Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
- Description: Tall, striking flowers with a range of colors.
- Benefits: Adds vertical interest and is safe for pets.
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Description: Aromatic herb with shiny leaves.
- Benefits: Safe for dogs and useful in cooking.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Description: Aromatic herb with needle-like leaves.
- Benefits: Safe for pets and adds flavor to dishes.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Description: Low-growing herb with small, fragrant leaves.
- Benefits: Pet-friendly and great for culinary use.
Dog-Safe Shrubs
- Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
- Description: Large, colorful flowers on bushy plants.
- Benefits: Safe for dogs and adds a tropical flair.
- Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
- Description: Large, showy flowers in various colors.
- Benefits: Adds elegance to gardens and is non-toxic to dogs.
- Camellia (Camellia japonica)
- Description: Glossy leaves and beautiful blooms.
- Benefits: Pet-safe and offers year-round greenery.
- Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
- Description: Vibrant spring blooms.
- Benefits: Safe for dogs and brightens up landscapes.
- Weigela (Weigela florida)
- Description: Compact shrub with trumpet-shaped flowers.
- Benefits: Pet-friendly and attracts pollinators.
- Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
- Description: Dense, evergreen shrub.
- Benefits: Safe for pets and great for formal garden designs.
- Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)
- Description: Shrub with attractive flowers and berries.
- Benefits: Pet-safe and provides year-round interest.
- Alder (Alnus spp.)
- Description: Deciduous shrub with catkins.
- Benefits: Adds texture and is safe for dogs.
- Witch Hazel (Hamamelis spp.)
- Description: Unique flowers and attractive fall foliage.
- Benefits: Non-toxic and adds seasonal interest.
- Deutzia (Deutzia spp.)
- Description: Shrub with cascading clusters of flowers.
- Benefits: Safe for pets and easy to grow.
Dog-Safe Trees
- Apple Tree (Malus domestica)
- Description: Fruit-bearing tree with beautiful blossoms.
- Benefits: Safe for pets and provides delicious fruit.
- Dogwood (Cornus spp.)
- Description: Small tree with showy flowers and attractive bark.
- Benefits: Pet-friendly and adds visual interest throughout the year.
- Maple (Acer spp.)
- Description: Deciduous tree with colorful fall foliage.
- Benefits: Safe for dogs and provides shade.
- Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- Description: Small tree with striking pink blossoms.
- Benefits: Adds vibrant color and is safe for pets.
- Magnolia (Magnolia spp.)
- Description: Large, fragrant flowers and glossy leaves.
- Benefits: Non-toxic and enhances garden aesthetics.
- Crabapple (Malus spp.)
- Description: Small tree with ornamental fruit and blossoms.
- Benefits: Safe for dogs and adds beauty to landscapes.
- Olive Tree (Olea europaea)
- Description: Evergreen tree with silvery foliage and small fruit.
- Benefits: Safe for pets and adds a Mediterranean touch.
- Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
- Description: Small tree with vibrant flowers and fruit.
- Benefits: Pet-safe and offers edible fruit.
Conclusion
Creating a pet-friendly garden or indoor space doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or style. By choosing from these 38 dog-safe plants, shrubs, and trees, you can enhance your environment with greenery and color while ensuring the safety of your canine companions. From vibrant flowers to elegant shrubs and majestic trees, there are plenty of options to create a stunning, dog-friendly space. Happy gardening!