Alexa Duarte: reporter1@riverbendnews.org
Did you know there are some plants that are poisonous or toxic to your pets? A few poisonous plants include: daffodil, castor bean, Easter lily, sago palm, star gazer lily, tiger lily, cyclamen and azalea. These plants can affect your pets by causing intense vomiting or even organ damage, depending on the amount digested. Plants that are toxic to your pets are: aloe, begonia, bird of paradise, bougainvillea, calla lily, carnation, chrysanthemum, coleus, cosmos, dumb cane, elephant ear, fleabane, gardenia, geranium, hibiscus, hydrangea, iris, pansy, peace lily, pinks, plumbago, poinsettia and primrose. The effects from these toxic plants are inflammation of the skin, mouth, stomach and other areas. Other effects may cause systemic damage or alter the function of their organs. Yet, not all plants are harmful to pets; there are quite a few that are friendly. Some favorites include: alyssum, blue daisy, Boston fern, bottlebrush tree, camellia, canna, ceolsia plumosa, Christmas cactus, coreopsis, echevaria succulents, Gerber daisy, glozinia, impatients, marigold, nasturtium, pampas grass, Persian violet, petunia, polkadot plant, rose, snap dragons, spider plant, start jasmine, sunflower, sword fern, viola and zinnia. The most important thing is to research any plants you're interested in introducing to your home to make sure they are pet friendly.