Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Scarlet Sage
Salvia coccinea
Scarlet Sage is a popular, vibrant flowering plant often grown in gardens for its spikes of tubular red flowers. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Blood SageSalvia coccineaTexas SageTropical Sage
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Upright, branching
- 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
None expected; however, large ingestions of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, large ingestions of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Scarlet Sageis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Scarlet Sage is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Salvia coccinea is a herbaceous perennial that is widely used in landscapes and is not known to be toxic to common household pets.
Questions about Scarlet Sage
Is Scarlet Sage toxic to cats?
Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm if your cat nibbles on it.
What happens if my cat eats Scarlet Sage?
No symptoms are expected from small amounts. If your cat consumes a large quantity of the fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk of plant matter, not any toxic compound.
Should I call the vet if my cat ate Scarlet Sage?
A small nibble does not warrant an emergency call. If your cat eats a significant amount and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress that do not resolve on their own, contact your veterinarian.
Does 'non-toxic' mean Scarlet Sage is safe for cats to eat freely?
Non-toxic means Scarlet Sage is not expected to poison your cat, but that does not make it appropriate to eat in large quantities. Ingesting significant amounts of any fibrous plant material can cause GI upset, so it is still best to discourage your cat from grazing on it.
Is Scarlet Sage toxic to dogs?
Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm if your dog eats it.
What happens if a dog eats Scarlet Sage?
No toxic symptoms are expected from Scarlet Sage. However, if your dog eats a large amount of the fibrous plant material, it may experience mild vomiting or diarrhea from the bulk of the plant matter rather than any toxic compound.
My dog ate a lot of Scarlet Sage — should I be worried?
A small nibble is unlikely to cause any issue. If your dog consumed a significant amount and is showing persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian. Non-toxic does not mean unlimited quantities are harmless — large ingestions of any plant material can upset a dog's digestive system.
Is Scarlet Sage the same as other sages, and are those safe for dogs too?
Scarlet Sage refers specifically to Salvia coccinea, which is considered non-toxic to dogs. Other plants called 'sage' (including different Salvia species or unrelated plants sharing a common name) may have different safety profiles, so always verify the botanical name before assuming safety applies across the genus.
Same genus
More from the Salvia genus
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Baby's Breath
Gypsophila elegans
Baby's Breath is a popular ornamental plant known for its delicate, cloud-like clusters of small white or pink flowers. While generally considered safe, it is best kept out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion of fibrous plant material.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Summer Savory
Satureja hortensis
Summer Savory is a popular culinary herb known for its peppery flavor and aromatic foliage. It is considered safe for household pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Calathea
Calathea spp.
Calathea are popular tropical houseplants known for their striking, patterned foliage and rhythmic leaf movement. They are considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Slender Deutzia
Deutzia gracilis
Slender Deutzia is a deciduous flowering shrub known for its delicate, bell-shaped white flowers that bloom in late spring. It is generally considered safe for household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Tiger Lily
Lilium tigrinum
The Tiger Lily is a bulbous perennial known for its striking orange, spotted flowers. It is highly dangerous to cats, as all parts of the plant can cause severe health complications.
Potentially toxic for cats.
Uncertain for dogs.
Butterfly Iris
Iris spuria
The Butterfly Iris is a rhizomatous perennial known for its elegant, orchid-like flowers and tall, grass-like foliage. It is commonly grown in garden borders but contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Lobelia cardinalis is a striking perennial known for its vibrant red, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. It contains alkaloids that can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.