The ASPCA lists several fragrant houseplants as non-toxic to dogs and cats: Jasminum species, Madagascar jasmine, star jasmine, moth orchid, rosemary, basil and a wax plant (a Hoya carnosa cultivar). Other popular scented plants, including gardenia, lavender, citrus and scented geranium, carry toxic listings. Non-toxic does not mean harmless, because the ASPCA says eating any plant material may cause vomiting and stomach upset in dogs and cats.
This guide is limited to what the ASPCA’s plant entries say, and it marks the gaps. A plant missing from the list is not proven safe, and the ASPCA list is not meant to be all-inclusive.
How to read the ASPCA list
Each ASPCA entry gives a botanical name, says whether the plant is toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and where it applies lists the toxic principle and signs. The ASPCA says plants listed as non-toxic, or as potentially toxic with mild stomach upset, are not expected to be life-threatening to pets. That is a smaller risk than the plants it lists as toxic, but it is not a promise that a pet can eat a whole plant without a problem.
Entries are by botanical name, so the label on a pot matters. “Jasmine” alone is not enough, as Is Jasmine Toxic to Cats and Dogs? explains.
Fragrant plants the ASPCA lists as non-toxic
| Plant | ASPCA botanical name | Dogs | Cats | Guide on this site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jasmine (true jasmine) | Jasminum species | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Jasmine hub |
| Madagascar jasmine | Stephanotis floribunda | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Stephanotis Indoor Care |
| Star jasmine | Trachelospermum jasminoides | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Is Star Jasmine a Real Jasmine? |
| Moth orchid | Phalaenopsis sp. | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Find a Plant |
| Rosemary | Rosmarinus officinalis | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Plants With Fragrant Leaves |
| Basil | Ocimum basilicum | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Plants With Fragrant Leaves |
| Wax plant (Hoya carnosa cultivar) | Hoya carnosa “krinkle kurl” | Non-toxic | Non-toxic | Hoya hub |
Three details from the entries are worth knowing. The jasmine entry is listed at genus level, as Jasmine (Jasminum species), so it does not separately name sambac or polyanthum. The Wax Plant entry is for a specific cultivar of Hoya carnosa with the common names Hindu rope plant and porcelain flower, and it lists dogs and cats but does not mention horses. The Basil entry lists dogs and cats and does not mention horses either.
Plants to check before you buy
The ASPCA lists gardenia (entered as cape jasmine), lavender, geranium (Pelargonium species), citrus such as lemon, lime and orange, and Brunfelsia (Paraguayan jasmine) as toxic to dogs and cats. If any of these are already in your home, see the care guides for gardenia and lavender and keep them out of reach.
How to choose a pet-safer fragrant plant
- Find the botanical name on the tag, not just the common name.
- Search the ASPCA plant database for that exact name.
- Check the entry for your pet: some entries list dogs and cats but not horses.
- If there is no entry, treat the plant as unconfirmed and ask a veterinarian.
- Place any plant out of reach of a pet that chews, even if the entry says non-toxic.
Frequently asked questions
Are orchids safe for cats and dogs?
The ASPCA lists Phalaenopsis Orchid as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, under the common names moth orchid and moon orchid.
Is rosemary safe for pets?
The ASPCA lists Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
Does a non-toxic listing mean my pet can eat the plant?
No. The ASPCA says consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. A non-toxic listing means the entry does not name a toxin.
What should I do if a pet eats a plant?
Contact a veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, and have the plant’s botanical name ready.
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. For other scent topics, browse Bloom & Fragrance.
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