The ASPCA lists these fragrant plants as toxic to dogs and cats: gardenia (entered as cape jasmine), lavender, geranium (Pelargonium), citrus including lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit, hyacinth, narcissus (which includes paperwhites) and Brunfelsia (Paraguayan jasmine). The signs it lists range from mild stomach upset to tremors and seizures, so the plant matters. For plants with non-toxic listings, see Pet-Safe Fragrant Houseplants.
This page uses the ASPCA’s plant entries as its source. A plant not on this page is not proven safe, and the ASPCA list is not meant to be all-inclusive.
What the ASPCA lists for each plant
| Plant | ASPCA botanical name | Toxic principle | Signs the ASPCA lists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardenia (cape jasmine) | Gardenia jasminoides | Genioposide, gardenoside | Mild vomiting and/or diarrhea, hives |
| Lavender | Lavandula angustifolia | Linalool, linalyl acetate | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite |
| Geranium | Pelargonium species | Geraniol, linalool | Vomiting, anorexia, depression, dermatitis |
| Lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit | Citrus limonia, C. aurantifolia, C. sinensis, C. paradisii | Essential oils and psoralens | Vomiting, diarrhea, depression; potential dermatitis |
| Hyacinth | Hyacinthus orientalis | Possibly narcissus-like alkaloids | Intense vomiting, diarrhea (occasionally with blood), depression, tremors |
| Narcissus (daffodil, jonquil, paperwhite) | Narcissus spp. | Lycorine and other alkaloids | Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea; larger amounts can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias |
| Paraguayan jasmine (yesterday, today and tomorrow) | Brunfelsia species | Brunfelsamidine | Tremors, seizures (for several days), diarrhea, vomiting, hypersalivation, lethargy, incoordination, coughing |
Which listings look more serious
The ASPCA does not rank the plants, but the signs it lists suggest an order. Brunfelsia lists tremors and seizures lasting several days. Narcissus lists convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias for larger ingestions, and the ASPCA notes that the bulbs are the most poisonous part. Hyacinth lists intense vomiting, diarrhea, depression and tremors. Gardenia, lavender, geranium and citrus list vomiting, diarrhea or skin signs. That ranking is a reading of the entries, not an ASPCA statement.
Citrus, geranium and gardenia in more detail
For citrus, the ASPCA entries for Lemon, Lime, Orange and Grapefruit all name essential oils and psoralens, and add that the fruit is edible but the skins and plant material can cause problems. The Geranium entry covers Pelargonium species; scented geraniums are Pelargonium, which is an inference, and the care guide is Scented Geranium Indoors. For the gardenia, see the Cape Jasmine entry and Gardenia Indoor Care.
Plants where the ASPCA entry was not confirmed
I could not confirm ASPCA entries for night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum), Carolina jessamine or plumeria. Treat them as unconfirmed rather than safe, and check the ASPCA’s plant database or a veterinarian. The jasmine-named plants are sorted out in Is Jasmine Toxic to Cats and Dogs?.
If a pet has eaten one of these plants
Note the botanical name and how much was eaten, and contact a veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA also says consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats.
Frequently asked questions
Is lavender toxic to cats?
The ASPCA lists Lavender as toxic to dogs and cats, naming linalool and linalyl acetate and listing nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite as signs.
Are citrus plants toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with vomiting, diarrhea, depression and potential dermatitis.
Are paperwhites poisonous to pets?
The ASPCA lists narcissus, including the paper white, as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and says the bulbs are the most poisonous part.
What about essential oils from these plants?
This page covers live plants only. The ASPCA entries for lavender and citrus name essential-oil compounds as toxic principles, but this page does not assess diffusers or oils.
Sources read for this page
Last reviewed 15 October 2026. Written by Md. Firozur Rahman. This page is general information, not veterinary advice; see the Disclaimer. Find more guides in Find a Plant.
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