Front Range plants that are toxic to dogs
Quick answer
87 plants in the Front Range Plant Finder are known to be toxic to dogs, including yews, daffodils, tulips, irises, and members of the cherry/plum (Prunus) family. If your dog eats one, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Absence from this list does not mean a plant is safe.
These Front Range trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and perennials are known to be toxic to dogs, so consider avoiding them or siting them away from pets in a Colorado yard. This is not an exhaustive list, and absence from it does not mean a plant is safe; always confirm with your vet for a specific animal.
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87 Front Range plants toxic to dogs
| Plant | Type | Toxic principle | Clinical signs | Toxic to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam's needle yuccaYucca filamentosa | Shrub | Saponins | dogs, cats: Vomiting; Horses: liver disease, dermatitis | Dogs, Cats |
| American plumPrunus americana | Shrub | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Anglojap yewTaxus x media | Shrub | Taxine A and B, Volatile oil | Tremors, difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures (dogs), sudden death from acute heart failure. | Dogs, Cats |
| Apricot, ChinesePrunus armeniaca | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Apricot, Moongold, MoorparkPrunus armeniaca | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| bearded irisIris germanica | Perennial | Pentacylic terpenoids (zeorin, missourin and missouriensin) | Salivation, vomiting, drooling,lethargy, diarrhea. Highest concentration in rhizomes. | Dogs, Cats |
| Bechtel 'Plena'Malus ioensis | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Big sagebrushArtemisia tridentata | Shrub | Essential Oils | Mild vomiting and diarrhea | Dogs, Cats |
| Birdcherry, EuropeanPrunus padus | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Birdcherry, European: SUMMER GLOW®, MerlotPrunus padus | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Black Locust - 'Purple Robe'Robinia pseudoacacia | Tree | Toxalbumins: phasin, robin and robitin (bark, leaves and seeds) | Vomiting, depression, anorexia, weakness, difficulty breathing, diarrhea (bloody), death | Dogs, Cats |
| Black WalnutJuglans nigra | Tree | Unknown | dogs: moldy nuts/hulls can cause tremors and seizures, ingestion of shavings can cause incoordination; Horses: laminitis, colic | Dogs |
| Buckeye/Horsechestnut, 'Briotti', 'Fort McNair'Aesculus x carnea | Tree | Aesculin (a glycosidic saponin), other saponins | Severe vomiting and diarrhea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, coma, convulsions, wobbly | Dogs, Cats |
| Buckeye/Horsechestnut, Common HorsechestnutAesculus hippocastanum | Tree | Aesculin (a glycosidic saponin), other saponins | Severe vomiting and diarrhea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, coma, convulsions, wobbly | Dogs, Cats |
| Buckeye/Horsechestnut, Ohio BuckeyeAesculus glabra | Tree | Aesculin (a glycosidic saponin), other saponins | Severe vomiting and diarrhea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, weakness, unsteadiness, depression, seizures, coma | Dogs, Cats |
| Buckeye/Horsechestnut, Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye)Aesculus glabra var. arguta | Tree | Aesculin (a glycosidic saponin), other saponins | Severe vomiting and diarrhea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, weakness, unsteadiness, depression, seizures, coma | Dogs, Cats |
| Buckeye/Horsechestnut, Yellow BuckeyeAesculus flava | Tree | Aesculin (a glycosidic saponin), other saponins | Severe vomiting and diarrhea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, coma, convulsions, wobbly | Dogs, Cats |
| Burning bush / winged euonymusEuonymus alatus | Shrub | Alkaloids, Cardenolides | Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness. Heart rhythm abnormalities with large doses. | Dogs, Cats |
| Butterfly MillkweedAsclepias tuberosa | Perennial | Some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and other species contain neurotoxins. | Vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia, and diarrhea are common; may be followed by seizures, difficulty breathing, rapid, weak pulse, dilated pupils, kidney or liver failure, coma, respiratory paralysis and death | Dogs, Cats |
| Cherry, BingPrunus avium 'Bing' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Cherry, Montmorency, North StarPrunus cerasus | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Cherry, Stella CompactPrunus avium 'Stella Compact' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Chokecherry, AmurPrunus maackii | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Chokecherry, Common: Canada Red, SchubertPrunus virginiana | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Chokecherry, SUCKER PUNCH®Prunus x 'P002S' (PP25,767) | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Common YarrowAchillea millefolium | Perennial | Achilleine and alkaloids. | Increased urination, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, AdirondackMalus 'Adirondack' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, BRANDYWINE®Malus x 'Branzam' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, CORALBURST®Malus x 'Coralcole' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, DolgoMalus 'Dolgo' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, GladiatorMalus 'Gladiator' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, Indian MagicMalus 'Indian Magic' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, LouisaMalus 'Louisa' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, Prairie RoseMalus 'Prairie Rose' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, PrairiefireMalus 'Prairiefire' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, RadiantMalus 'Radiant' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, Red BarronMalus 'Red Barron' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, ROYAL RAINDROPS®Malus 'JFS-KW5' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, SargentMalus sargentii | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, Sargent TinaMalus sargentii 'Tina' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, Spring SnowMalus 'Spring Snow' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Crabapple, ThunderchildMalus 'Thunderchild' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| FIRST LOVE DianthusDianthus 'First Love' | Perennial | Unknown irritant | Mild gastrointestinal signs, mild dermatitis | Dogs, Cats |
| Flowering Cherry, Des FontainesPrunus x fontanesiana | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Flowering Cherry, PINK FLAIR®Prunus sargentii 'Pink Flare' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Flowering Plum, MT. ST. HELENS®Prunus cerasifera 'Frankthrees' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Flowering Plum, NewportPrunus cerasifera 'Newport' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Flowering Plum, Newport (Kankakee strain)Prunus cerasifera 'Newport' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Flowering Plum, Princess KayPrunus nigra 'Princess Kay' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Fringed SageArtemisia frigida | Perennial | Essential Oils | Mild vomiting and diarrhea | Dogs, Cats |
| Fruit Apple, HoneyCrisp, McIntosh, Red Deliciious, Sweet Sixteen, ZestarMalus varieties | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Geyer’s onionAllium geyeri | Perennial | N-propyl disulfide | Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting. | Dogs, Cats |
| Golden Raindrops®Malus x 'Schmidtcutleaf' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Hopflower OreganoOriganum libanoticum | Perennial | Gastrointestinal irritants | Vomiting and diarrhea | Dogs, Cats |
| Kent Beauty ornamental oreganoOriganum 'Kent Beauty' | Groundcover | Gastrointestinal irritants | Vomiting and diarrhea | Dogs, Cats |
| Lily of the valleyConvallaria majalis | Groundcover | Cardenolides (convallarin, and others) | Vomiting, irregular heart beat, low blood pressure, disorientation, coma, seizures | Dogs, Cats |
| MONGOLIAN BELLS ClematisClematis integrifolia 'PSHarlan' | Perennial | Irritant glycoside (Protoanemonin) | Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea. | Dogs, Cats |
| Mongolian SnowflakesClematis hexapetala | Perennial | Irritant glycoside (Protoanemonin) | Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea. | Dogs, Cats |
| Myrtle spurge / donkey-tail spurgeEuphorbia myrsinites | Groundcover | Irritant Sap (latex) | Irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity. | Dogs, Cats |
| nodding onionAllium cernuum | Perennial | N-propyl disulfide | Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting. | Dogs, Cats |
| Oxlip PrimrosePrimula elatior | Perennial | Unknown | Mild vomiting | Dogs, Cats |
| Panicle hydrangeaHydrangea paniculata | Shrub | Cyanogenic glycoside | Vomiting, depression, diarrhea. Cyanide intoxication is rare - usually produces more of a gastrointestinal disturbance. | Dogs, Cats |
| Peach, Elberta, Polly, Red HavenPrunus persica 'Elberta', 'Polly', 'Red Haven' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Peach, Reliance, Veteran, ContenderPrunus persica 'Reliance', 'Veteran', 'Contender' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| PeriwinkleVinca minor | Groundcover | Vinca Alkaloids | Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, coma, death. | Dogs, Cats |
| Pink Pele irisIris 'Pink Pele' | Perennial | Pentacylic terpenoids (zeorin, missourin and missouriensin) | Salivation, vomiting, drooling,lethargy, diarrhea. Highest concentration in rhizomes. | Dogs, Cats |
| Plantain lilyHosta sieboldiana | Groundcover | Saponins | Vomiting, diarrhea, depression. | Dogs, Cats |
| Plum, Mount RoyalPrunus 'Mount Royal' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Plum, Santa RosaPrunus salicina 'Santa Rosa' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Plum, StanleyPrunus 'Stanley' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Plum, SuperiorPrunus 'Superior' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Plum, TokaPrunus 'Toka' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Prairie SageArtemisia ludoviciana | Perennial | Essential Oils | Mild vomiting and diarrhea | Dogs, Cats |
| Sand cherryPrunus pumila | Shrub | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| Sand sagebrushArtemisia filifolia | Shrub | Essential Oils | Mild vomiting and diarrhea | Dogs, Cats |
| Sea Foam sageArtemisia versicolor 'Sea Foam' | Shrub | Essential Oils | Mild vomiting and diarrhea | Dogs, Cats |
| Serbian yarrowAchillea serbica | Groundcover | Achilleine and alkaloids. | Increased urination, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis. | Dogs, Cats |
| Showy FleabaneErigeron speciosus | Perennial | Irritant | Mild gastrointestinal signs, mild dermatitis | Dogs, Cats |
| Showy MilkweedAsclepias speciosa | Perennial | Some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and other species contain neurotoxins. | Vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia, and diarrhea are common; may be followed by seizures, difficulty breathing, rapid, weak pulse, dilated pupils, kidney or liver failure, coma, respiratory paralysis and death | Dogs, Cats |
| Silver Shield French SorrelRumex scutatus 'Silver Shield' | Perennial | Soluble oxalates | Small exposures only result in GI upset. Very large amounts can cause weakness, muscle fasciculations, and potentially seizures from hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can also result in arrhythmias. Secondary renal injury may also develop from the crystals. This is only expected in massive exposures or with chronic ingestion | Dogs, Cats |
| Small soapweed / Great Plains yuccaYucca glauca | Shrub | Saponins | dogs, cats: Vomiting; Horses: liver disease, dermatitis | Dogs, Cats |
| Sour Cherry, Evans BaliPrunus cerasus 'Evans Bali' | Tree | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| SPANISH PEAKS FoxgloveDigitalis thapsi | Perennial | Cardiac glycosides | Cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, death. | Dogs, Cats |
| SUNSET FoxgloveDigitalis obscura 'Sunset' | Perennial | Cardiac glycosides | Cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, death. | Dogs, Cats |
| Western sand cherryPrunus besseyi | Shrub | Cyanogenic glycosides found in some species | Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. | Dogs, Cats |
| winter creeperEuonymus fortunei | Perennial | Alkaloids, Cardenolides | Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness. Heart rhythm abnormalities with large doses. | Dogs, Cats |
| Yellow clematisClematis tibetana | Perennial | Irritant glycoside (Protoanemonin) | Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea. | Dogs, Cats |
Toxic principle, clinical signs, and affected animals from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control database; matched by botanical name. Symptoms vary with the plant, the part eaten, and the amount.
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Frequently asked questions
- What common Front Range plants are toxic to dogs?
- This guide lists 87 trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and perennials in the Front Range Plant Finder that are known to be toxic to dogs, including Adam's needle yucca, American plum, Anglojap yew, Apricot, Chinese, Apricot, Moongold, Moorpark, bearded iris. See the full table above for each plant's toxic principle and symptoms.
- What should I do if my dog eats a toxic plant?
- Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Note the plant name and how much was eaten. Do not wait for symptoms, and do not induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
- Does a plant being absent from this list mean it's safe for dogs?
- No. This is an avoid-list of plants known to be toxic to dogs, not a certification that anything else is safe. Many plants haven't been evaluated. Always confirm a specific plant with your vet or the ASPCA before assuming it is pet-safe.
- How was this list put together?
- Plants flagged as toxic to dogs in the Front Range Plant Finder are matched to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's toxic-plant database for the toxic principle and clinical signs. It is a reference guide, not veterinary advice.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants, toxic principle, clinical signs, and affected animals.
- CSU Extension, Poisonous Plants (6.005), Colorado-specific guidance.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply).