Plant Toxicity
Evidence-based safety information
Understanding plant toxicity for informed, safe gardening
Key Takeaway
Toxicity data in Pollinator Patch is sourced from peer-reviewed databases and veterinary authorities. This information helps you make informed planting decisions—not avoid native plants entirely.
Many native plants contain compounds that evolved as chemical defenses against herbivores. While these compounds are essential for ecological relationships (like monarchs and milkweed), they can pose risks to pets, livestock, and humans.
Different species metabolize plant compounds differently. A plant that is perfectly safe for humans may be toxic to cats, and vice versa. Understanding these differences allows you to make informed decisions about plant placement in your landscape.
Key considerations:
- Pets may chew on plants out of curiosity or boredom
- Children may touch or taste unfamiliar plants
- Horses and livestock graze on available vegetation
- Some toxicity occurs through skin contact, not just ingestion
Awareness does not mean avoidance. Many toxic plants can be safely included in your garden with thoughtful placement—away from pet play areas, fenced from livestock, or in raised beds out of reach.
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