10 Plants to Avoid in Your Garden If You Have Kids or Pets
Toxicity At-A-Glance
Extreme
Oleander
Angel's Trumpet
Castor Bean
High
Foxglove
Sago Palm
Lily of the Valley
Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow
Moderate
Daffodils
Azaleas / Rhododendrons
English Ivy
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 popular landscape plants are surprisingly dangerous to curious toddlers and pets. Some cause mild stomach upset; others can be seriously harmful. As a mom with a young daughter (and a garden full of plants), this is something I've researched extensively.
The good news is that awareness is your best tool. Many plant poisoning incidents happen because people don't know a plant is toxic. Once you know what to watch for, you can make informed decisions about what stays, what goes, and what never gets planted in the first place.
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.
The danger: Castor bean seeds contain ricin, one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances. As documented by the UC Davis Toxic Plant Garden, just a few seeds can be fatal to a child. The seeds are attractive and bead-like, which makes them appealing to curious kids.
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.
The danger: All parts are toxic to both humans and animals, but the seeds (which look like orange fruits) are most dangerous. Dogs are frequently poisoned by sago palms. According to veterinary sources, reported fatality rates in dogs that ingest the seeds are often around 50% or higher, even with treatment.
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.
Toxic Plant Quick Reference for Santa Cruz County
Common landscape plants to avoid or manage carefully with children and pets
| Plant | Toxicity | Highest Risk | Safe Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oleander Nerium oleander | Extreme | Dogs Kids Livestock | Escallonia, Pittosporum |
| Foxglove Digitalis purpurea | Very High | Kids Pets | Penstemon, Salvia |
| Angel's Trumpet Brugmansia | Extreme | Kids Teens | Hibiscus, Hydrangea |
| Castor Bean Ricinus communis | Extreme | Kids Pets | Fatsia japonica, Cannas |
| Sago Palm Cycas revoluta | Very High | Dogs | Mediterranean fan palm, Ponytail palm |
| Lily of the Valley Convallaria majalis | High | Kids Pets | Sweet woodruff, Wild ginger |
| Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow Brunfelsia | High | Dogs | Star jasmine, Daphne |
| Daffodils Narcissus spp. | Moderate | Dogs Cats | California poppies, Wildflowers |
| Azaleas / Rhododendrons Rhododendron spp. | Moderate | Pets Livestock | Camellias |
| English Ivy Hedera helix | Moderate | Kids Pets | CA wild grape, Creeping fig |
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: Save the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number (888-426-4435) and California Poison Control (800-222-1222) in your phone. Quick response matters with plant poisonings.
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.
Family Garden Safety Checklist
Essential steps for kid-safe and pet-safe gardens in Santa Cruz County
Before Planting Season
- Walk your property and identify all existing plants, especially in areas children and pets can access
- Research unfamiliar plants using ASPCA's toxic plant database or a plant ID app
- Remove or fence off extremely toxic plants (oleander, angel's trumpet, castor bean, sago palm)
- Plan safe zones where only non-toxic plants will be grown (ideal for play areas)
Ongoing Safety Habits
- Supervise children ages 1-3 closely in the garden (peak risk for putting things in mouth)
- Teach the rule: "We don't eat plants unless a grown-up says it's food"
- Remove berries promptly from toxic plants if you can't remove the plants themselves
- Store bulbs safely away from food and out of pet reach
- Clean up fallen leaves from azaleas and rhododendrons if pets browse plants
When Moving to a New Home
- Photograph all plants and take photos to a local nursery for identification
- Don't assume safety based on previous owners (they may not have considered toxicity)
- Budget for removal if the property has oleander hedges or sago palms
- Check neighboring yards for toxic plants that may overhang your fence
Pet-Specific Precautions
- Never plant sago palms if you have dogs (50%+ fatality rate)
- Avoid brunfelsia if you have dogs (causes seizures)
- Plant bulbs in wire cages if dogs dig (prevents access to toxic daffodil bulbs)
- Know your pet's habits: plant-chewing dogs and browsing livestock need extra precautions
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
888-426-4435
California Poison Control
800-222-1222
Frequently Asked Questions About Toxic Garden Plants
Are all parts of toxic plants equally dangerous?
No. For most toxic plants, certain parts are more dangerous than others. Seeds and berries tend to be most concentrated. However, the safest approach with highly toxic plants is to avoid all contact, especially for young children who won't understand the distinction.
My dog ate a plant I think might be toxic. What should I do?
Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately. They can advise whether you need emergency veterinary care based on the specific plant, amount eaten, and your pet's size. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.
Can I keep toxic plants if I teach my children not to touch them?
It depends on the plant's toxicity level and your children's ages. For extremely toxic plants like oleander, angel's trumpet, and castor bean, the consequences of a single lapse in judgment are too severe. For moderately toxic plants, children over age 4 or 5 who reliably follow rules may be okay with supervision and education.
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 vegetable plants have toxic parts. Tomato and potato leaves contain solanine. Rhubarb leaves are toxic (though stems are edible). Bean plants contain varying levels of lectins. Teach children that only the parts you harvest and prepare are safe to eat.
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?
You can't control your neighbor's landscaping, but you can teach your children to recognize and avoid specific plants. For branches that overhang your property, you may legally trim them back to the property line in most cases. Focus on education and supervision rather than trying to change what your neighbors grow.
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.
Growing 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.
