Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Spreading Dogbane
Apocynum androsaemifolium
Bitter Root is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its pink, bell-shaped flowers and milky sap. It contains cardiac glycosides that are harmful if ingested by pets.
Apocynum androsaemifoliumBitterrootSpreading Dogbane
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Upright, spreading perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, cardiac arrhythmias, and lethargy.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to serious cardiac distress. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, and irregular heartbeat.
Escalation note
The plant contains toxins that affect the heart. Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog has consumed any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Bitter Root contains cardiac glycosides which are toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Apocynum androsaemifolium is a native perennial known for its toxic properties due to the presence of cardiac glycosides.
Often compared with
Same safety verdict
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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Monstera
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Philodendron
Philodendron spp.
Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Daylily
Hemerocallis spp.
Day lilies are popular garden perennials known for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms. While beautiful, they are highly dangerous to cats and should be kept strictly out of reach.
Potentially toxic for cats.
Uncertain for dogs.
Dock
Rumex sp.
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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Iris
Iris species
Iris species are popular perennial garden plants known for their showy, complex flowers and sword-like foliage. They contain chemical compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.