Life in Central Kentucky is often defined by the beautiful connection between our homes and the outdoors. Whether you have a playful dog in your backyard or a hobby farm with a few horses in a paddock, your animals are a part of your family. But what you may not know is that some of the most common plants around our homes and fields can be surprisingly dangerous to them.
This starter’s guide, while not a comprehensive list, provides a helpful look at some of the most common poisonous plants you might encounter in Central Kentucky, as well as reliable resources from experts in the field to help you learn to identify these plants and what simple steps can be taken to protect your animals.
Common Plants Poisonous to Household Pets
For those with pets who spend time indoors and out, it's important to be aware of the plants in and around your home. Here is a small selection of common plants that are toxic to dogs and cats.
Philodendron: A popular and resilient houseplant, the Philodendron is often praised for being easy to grow. However, its leaves contain high levels of calcium oxalate crystals. If a curious pet chews on this plant, it can cause burns to the mouth, excessive drooling, and vomiting. Other common houseplants with this same toxin include the Snake Plant and Pothos (Devil's Ivy).
Asparagus Fern (Foxtail Fern or Emerald Fern): Often used in hanging baskets for its beautiful, feathery appearance, this plant can cause skin irritation if a pet brushes against it. The berries are particularly dangerous and can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea if ingested.
Aloe Vera: This beautiful and functional plant is a staple in many homes for its medicinal gel. While the inner gel is generally considered non-toxic and is often used for human scrapes and burns, the outer parts of the plant are toxic to pets. Chewing on the leaves can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. As a precaution, never use aloe on your pet unless specifically advised by a veterinarian.
Hosta: These leafy, perennial plants thrive in Central Kentucky's shaded areas. However, every part of the Hosta plant contains saponins, which can irritate your pet’s intestinal tract. Symptoms of Hosta poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and anorexia (loss of appetite).
Lilies: While stunning, lilies are one of the most toxic plants for cats. Ingesting even a small amount of the plant—or even just licking some pollen off their fur—can cause kidney failure and death. If you have cats, it is highly recommended to keep lilies out of your home and yard entirely.
For a more comprehensive guide and resources for household pets, please consult:
- ASPCA's searchable database of toxic and non-toxic plants
- ASPCA Poison Control Phone Number: 888-426-4435
- Kentucky Poison Control Center Helpline: 1-800-222-1222
- Your preferred veterinarian
Common Plants Poisonous to Livestock on Small Acreage & Hobby Farms
In Central Kentucky, many homeowners also manage small farms or have livestock. It's crucial to regularly survey your property and pastures to identify and remove any plants that could harm your animals.
Poison Hemlock: This plant is often found along fence rows and stream banks. It features clusters of small white flowers on a spindly stem. Eating just a few pounds of hemlock could be fatal for a horse. Symptoms of poisoning include colic, shaking, coordination problems, and a decreased heart rate and breathing.
Red Maple Leaves: A common sight across our region, red maple leaves are only a problem when they are wilted or have fallen. A storm-damaged branch that lies in a pasture can be particularly dangerous. Eating as little as one or two pounds of wilted leaves can be fatal to horses. Look for symptoms like a rapid heart rate, fast breathing, lethargy, pale or yellow gums, and dark, reddish-brown urine. Be sure to clear your pastures of any fallen branches after a storm.
Japanese Yew: A popular ornamental shrub, the Japanese Yew can grow up to 30 feet tall and has spiny needles and red berries. It is highly toxic to horses. Just one mouthful can kill a horse in as little as 30 minutes due to cardiac or respiratory failure.
For a more comprehensive guide and resources for livestock, please consult:
- University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
- Your County Extension Office
- Guide to Plants of Kentucky Potentially Poisonous to Livestock
- Your preferred veterinarian
Keeping a Watchful Eye: Prevention, Recognition, and Response
Staying ahead of an accidental ingestion is always the best approach. Here are some general tips to help you keep your animals safe.
1) Prevention
- For Household Pets: When choosing new plants for your home and yard, be sure to research them first to ensure they are pet safe. Once you have them, consider placement carefully. Keep houseplants on high shelves or in rooms your pets don't frequent. Regular yard grooming and being mindful of what's growing along fences and in flowerbeds can also go a long way in preventing accidental ingestion.
- For Livestock: The number one reason animals eat poisonous plants is a lack of palatable food. Make sure your livestock have access to plenty of high-quality hay or grass and avoid overgrazing. Take the time to walk your property and identify any potentially dangerous plants. Resources like the "Guide to Plants of Kentucky Potentially Poisonous to Livestock" are excellent tools for property owners.
2) Recognition
- Recognize the Signs of Poisoning: Diagnosing plant poisoning can be difficult because the symptoms often mimic other illnesses. However, you should suspect plant poisoning if you see a sudden, unexplained illness, nervous system disorders, digestive tract issues, or if your animal has recently been introduced to a new pasture or new forage source.
- Recognize If and When a Plant Is Poisonous: Some plants are only dangerous under specific conditions. Knowing this can help you manage your property more effectively. For example, wild cherry - a native Central Kentucky tree - is not dangerous when healthy. However, if a storm blows down branches or leaves, the wilted foliage produces a cyanogenic compound that is highly poisonous to horses, cattle, and even pets. After a storm, be sure to clear your property of any downed Wild Cherry limbs. Similarly, Johnsongrass is a common grass that can be a nutritious feed source, but it becomes a serious threat when wilted or stressed by drought or mowing. When distressed, its foliage develops Prussic Acid, which is toxic to animals.
- Recognize Plants Across Growth Stages: Some plants, like Cocklebur, are only poisonous as seedlings. Your local County Extension office can assist with plant identification at any stage of growth.
3) Response: Do not hesitate to consult an expert – either proactively or in response to potential ingestion. If you suspect your pet or livestock has ingested a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. For plant identification and prevention strategies, your local County Extension Agent is an invaluable resource.
About the Author
As the proud second-generation owner and operator of Hillcrest Nursery, he has built a reputation for his plant expertise, customer care, and honesty in business. Mike's commitment to helping clients navigate the real estate process with confidence and ease is a testament to his dedication and professionalism.
Additional writing support provided by Ashley Swift, Christie's International Real Estate Bluegrass Marketing Director.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
2024 Luxury Market Report & 2025 Forecast
Home Search
Home Valuation
Find An Agent
FOLLOW @CHRISTIESBLUEGRASS
Stay up-to-date with the latest sale properties, local real estate news, and community updates by following @ChristiesBluegrass on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About Us
At Christie’s International Real Estate Bluegrass, we believe that luxury describes an experience. With Central Kentucky’s best REALTORS® and a powerful global platform that offers world-class marketing, industry-leading technology, and international reach, the firm is focused on providing the highest level of service and professionalism to clients at every price point. Celebrating all that the Bluegrass State has to offer, we are excited to speak to you about our full range of services and more. Luxury Lives Here.
