Here’s a guide to help you navigate the local flora:

Indoor Houseplants:

Dog Safe:

• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Easy to care for and non-toxic.

• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): A tropical plant that’s safe for dogs.

• Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura): Known for its beautiful foliage and safety.

• Peperomia: A diverse group of small, compact plants with dog-safe varieties.

Cat Safe:

• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): A resilient, low-maintenance plant known for its air-purifying qualities.

• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): A lush, non-toxic fern that thrives in humid environments.

• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): Also known as the butterfly palm, it’s safe for cats and adds a tropical feel to interiors.

• Calathea (Calathea spp.): Known for its striking foliage, this plant is safe for cats.

• Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura): Features unique leaf patterns and is non-toxic to cats.

• African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.): A popular flowering plant that’s safe for cats.

• Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): A hardy palm that’s safe for cats and suitable for low-light conditions.

• Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae family): Brightly colored and safe for cats, though some varieties may have sharp edges.

• Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula): An insect-eating plant that’s non-toxic to cats.

• Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya): A decorative plant with colorful leaves, safe for cats.

Dog-Toxic:

• Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta): Extremely toxic; even small amounts can cause severe reactions.

• Philodendron: Contains compounds that can irritate the mouth and digestive tract.

• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Can cause vomiting and oral irritation.

• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Contains calcium oxalates that can cause discomfort.

• Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Can lead to nausea and vomiting if ingested.

Cat Toxic:

• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) – Causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) – Causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

• Philodendron (various species) – Causes oral irritation, swelling of mouth and tongue, and vomiting.

• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum, also called Devil’s Ivy) – Causes vomiting, oral irritation, and difficulty swallowing.

• Aloe Vera – Causes vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

• Caladium (Elephant Ear) – Causes intense oral pain, drooling, and difficulty breathing.

• Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – Causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – Can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

• Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) – Causes vomiting, depression, and incoordination.

• English Ivy (Hedera helix) – Causes vomiting, abdominal pain, and drooling.

• Kalanchoe – Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart arrhythmias in severe cases.

Western Pennsylvania Common / Native Outdoor Plants:

Dog-Safe:

• Bee Balm (Monarda): Attracts pollinators and is safe for dogs.

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A hardy perennial that’s non-toxic.

• Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica): Early bloomers that are gentle on pets.

• Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides): A classic fern that’s both hardy and non-toxic.

Dog-Toxic:

• Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia): All parts are poisonous to dogs.

• Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.): Ingestion can cause vomiting and lethargy.

• Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum): The unripe fruit and roots are toxic.

• Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea): Contains compounds that affect the heart.

Cat-Safe:

• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) Pollinator magnet, aromatic, lavender flowers

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Durable, drought-tolerant, great for bees and butterflies

• Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) Red/yellow flowers, attractive to hummingbirds

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) Long bloom time, attracts pollinators

• New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) Late-season color, important for monarch butterflies

• Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) Woodland native, delicate pink-purple flowers

• Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea) Early bloomer, host plant for black swallowtail caterpillars

Cat-Toxic:

• Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) Vomiting, weakness, cardiac issues, possibly fatal

• Buttercups (Ranunculus spp.) Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation

• Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, possible liver damage

• Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) Irregular heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, potentially fatal

• Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) Breathing difficulty, shock, death

• Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) Oral pain, drooling, vomiting, swelling of mouth and throat

• Eastern Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) Vomiting, diarrhea, depression

Note: Even non-toxic plants can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Always monitor your dog or cat’s behavior around plants and consult a veterinarian if you suspect poisoning.

Tips for a Safe Home & Garden:

• Research Before Planting: Always verify the safety of a plant before introducing it to your home or garden.

• Use Raised Beds or Fencing: Keep toxic plants out of reach by using barriers.

• Train Your Dog: Teach commands like “leave it” to prevent your dog from chewing on plants.

• Monitor Your Dog’s Behavior: Watch for signs of plant ingestion, such as drooling or vomiting.

• Contact a Professional: If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.

For more information  about plants that are toxic or safe for pets, you can refer to the ASPCA or Merck‘s websites.