Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Tomato is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). 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.
Tomato is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
24"–72" H × 18"–36" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
GA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Tomato is a popular annual vegetable crop that produces edible fruits throughout the summer growing season. The vine-like plants require staking or caging for support and need consistent watering and maintenance for best fruit production.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tomato takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Vegetable crops typically prohibited in front yards
- Requires utilitarian support structures like cages or stakes
- Can look messy or unkempt without constant maintenance
Wildlife value
Tomato flowers attract bees and beetles during the blooming period from May through August. The plants provide some pollinator support but are primarily grown for food production rather than wildlife habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does Tomato need?
- Tomato grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Tomato bloom?
- Tomato blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Tomato native?
- Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is native to GA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Tomato toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Tomato 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 Tomato toxic to cats?
- Yes. Tomato 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 Tomato toxic to livestock?
- Tomato is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- What pollinators does Tomato attract?
- Tomato draws bees and beetles.
- Is Tomato HOA-friendly?
- Tomato takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Tomato and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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