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Pet-Safe Fall Plants: Natives & Popular Plants
Introduction
As we welcome the crisp air and vibrant colors of fall, many of us are eager to refresh our gardens with seasonal plants. But if you share your space with pets, you may want to be cautious. While fall favorites like mums are stunning, they’re not always safe for our furry companions. In fact, many popular fall plants can be toxic to pets, causing anything from mild irritation to serious health issues if ingested. Fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful, pet-safe alternatives—many of which are also native to our area. Let’s explore some pet-friendly options and highlight what to avoid.
Pet-Safe & Native Plants
There’s no need to sacrifice beauty for safety. Plenty of native and non-native plants can thrive in your garden while ensuring your pets are safe. Native plants, in particular, are not only better for the environment, but they also tend to be hardier and better suited to local conditions. Here are some of the best options for a pet-safe, native fall garden:
- Sweetspire (Itea) (Native)
- Fountain Grass (Non-Native)
- Feather Reed Grass (Non-Native)
- New England Aster (Native)
- Heuchera (Native)
- Phlox (Native)
- Jacob’s Ladder (Native)
- Wild Pansies (Not garden pansies, but their wild relatives) (Native)
- Summersweet (Native)
Snapdragons (Non-Native)- Ninebark (Native)
- Bottlebrush Grass (Native)
- Wine Cups (Native)
- Tickseed (Native)
- Bee Balm (Native)
- Viburnums (Native)
- Fringe Tree (Native)
- Redbud (Native)
- Coneflowers (Native)
- Junipers (Native)
These plants offer beautiful colors, textures, and wildlife support. Also, they do not pose risks to your pets. From vibrant asters to ornamental grasses, you’ll have plenty of options to create a stunning fall garden.
Plants to Avoid
While some plants may seem harmless or even common in fall gardens, it’s important to recognize that they can be dangerous to pets. Therefore, here is a list of plants you should avoid if your pets have access to the garden:
- Amaryllis (Non-Native)
- American Holly (Non-Native)
- Crabapples (Non-Native)
- Boxwood (Non-Native)
- Cardinal Flower (Native)
- Clematis (Non-Native)
- European Holly (Non-Native)
- Foxglove (Non-Native)
- Gardenia (Non-Native)
- Golden Ragwort (Native)
- Milkweed (Native)
- Yews (Non-Native)
- Hosta (Non-Native)
- Hydrangea (Non-Native)
- Laurel (Non-Native)
- Lavender (Non-Native)
- Lobelia (Native)
- Peony (Non-Native)
- Periwinkle (Non-Native)
- Primrose (Non-Native)
- Rhododendron (Non-Native)
- Tulip (Non-Native)
- Yarrow (Native)
- Crocus (Non-Native)
- Azalea (Non-Native)
- Daffodil (Non-Native)
- Elderberry (Native)
- Hyacinth (Non-Native)
- Iris (Non-Native)
- Ivy (Non-Native)
- Larkspur (Non-Native)
- Lily of the Valley (Non-Native)
- Morning Glory (Non-Native)
- Wisteria (Non-Native)
- Mums (Non-Native)
- Red Maple (Native)
- Ginkgo Tree Seeds (Non-Native)
While these plants may be visually appealing, they can pose significant health risks to pets if ingested, causing anything from mild stomach upset to more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or organ failure. It’s best to avoid them entirely if your pets spend time in the garden.
Conclusion
Creating a pet-friendly fall garden doesn’t mean giving up on beauty or seasonal charm. By selecting native and pet-safe plants, you can enjoy a vibrant autumn display without worrying about the safety of your four-legged companions. When planning your fall garden, keep this guide handy to ensure your pets can explore your outdoor spaces safely. Happy gardening! 🌿🐾
If you have any questions that weren’t answered or need more information, feel free to stop by and see us at either the Broad St. or Mechanicsville location. You can also give us a call or drop us an email at info@stranges.com. We’re here to help you grow better!
Connect with Strange’s:
Instagram: @StrangesRVA Facebook: @Strange’s Florist
Mechanicsville: 804-321-2200 West Broad: 804-360-2800
