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Hyacinth

Hyacinthus orientalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Photo: (c) florawhite, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by florawhite

Hyacinth is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native alternatives to Hyacinth

Hyacinth is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

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A spring bulb with a single dense spike of intensely fragrant waxy flowers. Spikes are largest the first spring after planting and loosen in later years. Bulbs need a sustained cold period to flower.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hyacinth is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation bed, border.

Wildlife value

Grown as an ornamental. Non-native plants support far fewer local insects than a native of similar size, so treat this as garden interest rather than habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Hyacinth need?
Hyacinth grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Hyacinth bloom?
Hyacinth blooms in March and April.
Is Hyacinth toxic to dogs?
Yes. Hyacinth is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Hyacinth toxic to cats?
Yes. Hyacinth is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Hyacinth HOA-friendly?
Hyacinth is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Hyacinth and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.

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