10 Plants to Avoid in Your Garden If You Have Kids or Pets
When you're planning a family garden in Santa Cruz County, you're probably thinking about which tomatoes to grow or how to keep the gophers out. But there's another consideration that often gets overlooked: plant toxicity.
Many common landscape plants can harm people or animals, but risk is specific to the species and exposure. FDA says toxicity varies by the animal, the amount eaten, and the plant part. Use this list as a prompt to identify plants and verify each one, not as a substitute for poison-control or veterinary advice.
Identification, supervision, and limiting access are important. A plant described here as an alternative is not automatically safe for every child, dog, cat, horse, or other animal; verify the exact species in the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant database and with a veterinarian or poison center before planting.
Here are 10 common plants in Santa Cruz County gardens that you should avoid (or carefully manage) if you have young children or pets.
1. Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Toxicity level: Extremely high (all parts)
Why it's common here: Oleander thrives in our Mediterranean climate and is drought-tolerant, making it popular for hedges and screens throughout Santa Cruz County. You'll see it along Highway 1, in older neighborhoods, and in many established landscapes.
The danger: Every part of oleander is toxic, including the flowers, leaves, stems, and sap. Even smoke from burning trimmings is considered unsafe to inhale. According to ASPCApro's oleander resource, ingesting even a small amount can cause serious heart problems in both humans and animals. Pets, especially dogs, have died from chewing oleander sticks or drinking water from vases containing oleander cuttings.
What to do: If you have oleander and young children or pets, consider removal. At minimum, fence it off and teach children never to touch it. Never burn oleander trimmings. If you're buying a home with oleander hedges, factor removal costs into your planning.
Safe alternative: For a flowering hedge, consider escallonia or pittosporum, both of which thrive locally and are not considered highly toxic to pets.
2. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Toxicity level: Very high (all parts)
Why it's common here: Foxglove self-seeds prolifically in coastal Santa Cruz gardens and thrives in our cool, foggy summers. Its tall spires of tubular flowers are stunning in cottage gardens and shade beds.
The danger: According to the ASPCA's toxic plant database, foxglove contains cardiac glycosides that affect the heart. All parts are toxic, with the highest concentration in the leaves. Even small amounts can cause dangerous heart rhythm changes. Children may be attracted to the bell-shaped flowers.
What to do: Remove foxglove from areas where children play. If you keep it, place it in beds that are clearly off-limits and out of reach. Teach children to recognize it.
Safe alternative: For similar vertical drama, try penstemon or salvia (species not listed as highly toxic in major poison control databases), which also attract hummingbirds.
3. Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia)
Toxicity level: Extremely high (all parts)
Why it's common here: These spectacular plants with huge, pendulous trumpet flowers thrive in coastal Santa Cruz, Aptos, and Capitola. You'll often see massive specimens in older gardens.
The danger: All parts contain tropane alkaloids (including scopolamine and atropine) that cause hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, and can be fatal. The UC Davis Toxic Plant Garden lists angel's trumpet among its most dangerous specimens. The beautiful flowers are particularly dangerous because they're so attractive. Teens in California and elsewhere have been hospitalized after intentionally ingesting parts of this plant, not realizing how dangerous it is.
What to do: Seriously consider removal if you have children. The risk-to-benefit ratio simply isn't worth it. If neighbors have angel's trumpet, teach your children to recognize and avoid it.
Safe alternative: For dramatic flowers, try hibiscus (in warmer microclimates) or hydrangea for similar show with far less risk.
4. Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)
Toxicity level: Extremely high (seeds especially)
Why it's common here: Castor bean grows as a volunteer throughout Santa Cruz County, often in disturbed areas, empty lots, and neglected garden corners. Its dramatic palmate leaves make it occasionally used as an ornamental.
Castor bean is a high-risk plant. The UC Davis Toxic Plant Garden warns that even one ingested seed can be fatal to a child or pet. Do not handle a suspected ingestion at home; contact poison control or a veterinarian immediately.
What to do: Remove castor bean plants from your property immediately if you have children or pets. Watch for volunteers, as it self-seeds readily. Remove seed pods before they mature if you can't remove the whole plant right away.
Safe alternative: For dramatic tropical foliage, try fatsia japonica or large-leafed cannas, neither of which is considered highly toxic to pets or children.
5. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
Toxicity level: Very high (all parts, especially seeds)
Why it's common here: Sago palms are popular in Santa Cruz County landscapes for their architectural form and drought tolerance. They're not actually palms but cycads, and they're commonly sold at local nurseries.
Sago palm is highly toxic to pets, including the seeds and fronds. ASPCA reports that studies have found up to 50% of animal ingestion cases fatal and says early intervention improves survival. If exposure is suspected, call a veterinarian or pet poison-control center immediately rather than waiting for symptoms.
What to do: If you have dogs, do not plant sago palms. If you have existing sagos and dogs, consider removal or complete fencing. Remove seeds immediately when they appear.
Safe alternative: For similar architectural form, consider Mediterranean fan palm or ponytail palm (which the ASPCA lists as non-toxic to cats and dogs).
6. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Toxicity level: High (all parts)
Why it's common here: This shade-loving groundcover with fragrant white bells thrives in the cool, moist conditions under redwoods in Felton, Ben Lomond, and other shaded Santa Cruz County gardens.
The danger: All parts contain cardiac glycosides similar to foxglove. The red berries that follow the flowers are particularly dangerous for children. According to toxicology references, even the water in a vase of cut lily of the valley can contain enough toxin to be unsafe to drink.
What to do: Avoid planting in areas where children play. If you have established patches, consider replacing them with safer groundcovers. At minimum, remove berries before children can access them.
Safe alternative: For fragrant shade groundcover, try sweet woodruff or native wild ginger (Asarum caudatum).
7. Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow (Brunfelsia)
Toxicity level: High (all parts, especially berries)
Why it's common here: This shrub with purple-to-white fading flowers is popular in Santa Cruz County for its fragrance and continuous bloom. It's commonly sold at local nurseries.
The danger: All parts are toxic, but the small berries are most concerning. Dogs are particularly attracted to the berries. According to the Animal Poisons Centre, brunfelsia poisoning causes serious neurological symptoms including seizures in dogs.
What to do: Avoid planting if you have dogs. If you have existing plants, remove berries before they fall and keep dogs away. Consider replacement with safer flowering shrubs.
Safe alternative: For fragrant flowering shrubs, try star jasmine (trained as a shrub) or daphne odora (though daphne has its own mild toxicity, it's less attractive to dogs).
8. Daffodils and Other Narcissus Bulbs
Toxicity level: Moderate to high (bulbs especially)
Why they're common here: Daffodils naturalize beautifully in Santa Cruz County and are a spring staple in gardens throughout the area. The bulbs are often sold in bulk at local nurseries each fall.
The danger: According to ASPCA's daffodil entry, the bulbs contain lycorine and other alkaloids that cause vomiting, diarrhea, and more serious symptoms if large amounts are eaten. The bulbs can be mistaken for onions (they're occasionally mixed up in kitchens), and dogs sometimes dig them up.
What to do: Store bulbs safely away from food supplies. If dogs dig, consider planting bulbs in wire cages or in areas dogs can't access. Teach children not to eat any part of these plants.
Safe alternative: For spring color without bulb toxicity concerns, try California poppies or other annual wildflowers.
9. Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Toxicity level: Moderate (all parts)
Why they're common here: These acid-loving shrubs thrive under Santa Cruz County's redwoods and in our naturally acidic soils. They're extremely popular in Felton, Scotts Valley, and other shaded areas.
The danger: All parts contain grayanotoxins that can cause vomiting, drooling, weakness, and in severe cases, heart problems. Pet Poison Helpline's rhododendron entry notes that livestock and pets are most commonly affected, but children can also be poisoned. Honey made from rhododendron nectar (in some regions) can even be toxic.
What to do: If you have pets that browse plants (goats, rabbits, or plant-chewing dogs), avoid azaleas and rhododendrons. For children, the risk is lower unless they habitually eat plant material. Fallen leaves should be raked up if pets are present.
Safe alternative: For acid-loving shade shrubs, try camellias, which offer similar glossy foliage and beautiful flowers without the toxicity concerns.
10. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Toxicity level: Moderate (leaves and berries)
Why it's common here: English ivy is everywhere in Santa Cruz County, often covering fences, walls, and entire trees. It's invasive and spreads aggressively, so you may have it whether you planted it or not.
The danger: According to the ASPCA and UC Davis Toxic Plant Garden, leaves and berries contain saponins that cause stomach upset, burning sensations, and skin irritation. While rarely life-threatening, it can make children and pets quite sick. The berries are most toxic and most attractive to children.
What to do: Consider removing English ivy anyway, as it's invasive and damages trees and structures. If you keep it, prevent it from flowering and fruiting by regular trimming. Keep children away from mature ivy with berries.
Safe alternative: For evergreen coverage, try native California wild grape (on fences) or creeping fig (on walls), though creeping fig can also be problematic on structures.
General Safety Tips for Family Gardens
Beyond avoiding specific plants, here are practices that keep gardens safer for children and pets:
Teach, don't just restrict: Children who understand "we don't eat plants unless a grown-up says it's food" are safer than children who've simply been told "no." Make plant safety part of garden education.
Supervise young children: Toddlers and young children should always be supervised in gardens, even "safe" ones. The greatest risk period is ages 1 to 3, when children explore by putting things in their mouths.
Know your plants: When you move into a home with an established garden, identify everything. Take photos to your local nursery or use a plant identification app. Don't assume previous owners considered toxicity.
Keep emergency numbers handy: For a possible human exposure, contact California Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. For a pet, FDA advises contacting a veterinarian or pet poison-control center immediately; the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is 888-426-4435 and may charge a fee.
Create designated play areas: In larger gardens, consider creating a fenced play area planted only with known-safe plants, separate from ornamental beds that may contain toxic species.
For more guidance on keeping your garden safe and healthy, see our organic pest control guide and companion planting guide for non-toxic approaches to garden management.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toxic Garden Plants
Are all parts of toxic plants equally dangerous?
No. FDA says the risk depends on the animal, amount eaten, and plant part. Do not assume seeds or berries are always the most toxic part, and avoid contact with every part of a plant when authoritative guidance identifies the entire plant as hazardous.
My dog ate a plant I think might be toxic. What should I do?
Contact a veterinarian or pet poison-control center immediately and identify the plant if you can do so safely. Do not wait for symptoms or induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional instructs you to.
Can I keep toxic plants if I teach my children not to touch them?
It depends on the plant, likely exposure, and the child or animal. Do not rely on one age cutoff. Keep highly toxic plants inaccessible or remove them, supervise young children, and get plant-specific advice from California Poison Control or a veterinarian.
Are native California plants safer than ornamental plants?
Not necessarily. California has plenty of toxic native plants, including poison oak, California buckeye, and tree tobacco. However, many common toxic garden plants are non-native ornamentals that were planted without toxicity considerations. Always research specific plants rather than assuming safety based on origin.
What about vegetable garden plants?
Some food plants have parts that should not be eaten, and safe preparation varies by crop and cultivar. Teach children to eat only plant foods that a responsible adult has identified, harvested, and prepared. For a suspected exposure, contact poison control rather than relying on a short list.
Are organic or heirloom plants safer than conventional varieties?
No. Toxicity is determined by the plant's chemistry, not how it was grown or whether it's a modern variety. An organically grown oleander is just as toxic as a conventionally grown one.
Should I remove all toxic plants from my property?
You don't necessarily need to remove every mildly toxic plant, but seriously consider removing highly toxic ones if you have young children or pets. For moderate-risk plants, assess your specific situation: children's ages, pet behavior, plant location, and your ability to supervise.
My neighbor has toxic plants that overhang my fence. What can I do?
For a neighboring plant that creates a safety concern, prevent access and speak with the property owner. Property-line trimming rights and responsibilities depend on the facts and local law, so do not rely on a general gardening article for legal advice; consult the relevant local authority or a qualified attorney.
Free Gardening Resources
Beginner Garden Setup Checklist: Planning your first garden with family safety in mind.
Companion Planting Guide: Safe, productive plant combinations for family gardens.
Know Your Microclimate Worksheet: Understanding your garden's conditions to choose appropriate plants.
How Do You Grow Safely Together?
Creating a safe garden for your family doesn't mean sacrificing beauty or productivity. By knowing which plants to avoid (or manage carefully) and choosing safer alternatives, you can have a gorgeous Santa Cruz County garden where kids can explore and pets can play.
Start by walking through your existing garden and identifying any plants on this list. Research anything you're unsure about. Then make informed decisions about what stays, what goes, and what you'll plant going forward. Your garden should be a place of joy and discovery for the whole family, not a source of worry.
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