Flowering Plants That Are Animal Friendly

• Keep him safe while enjoying flowers. Andrew Bret Wallis/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Those who love both flowers and pets want to make sure that exposure to the former will not harm the latter. Many flowering plants can be toxic if eaten by pets or wildlife. Various types of lilies, popular in both gardens and floral arrangements, can cause acute kidney failure if consumed by cats. Know which plants are animal-friendly to beautify your home and garden without potential consequences to animals.

African Violets

• Indoors, African violets make a good, pet-safe flowering houseplant choice. Besides being harmless if eaten by Fido or Kitty, the African violet has the advantage of growing under average light conditions, and should be placed where it receives bright but not direct sunlight. Plants prefer humid conditions, so set pots in containers or trays with water and pebbles.

Roses

• Roses, whether in the garden or a vase, will not harm animals if consumed, so toxicity is not an issue with these floral favorites. However, it is possible that thorns could cause injury should a pet chew on the stems.

Annuals

• Colorful annual flowers last just one season, but grow quickly. They are often placed in containers or hanging baskets. According to veterinarian Amy Wolff, in "How to Plant a Dog-Safe Garden," popular, nontoxic annuals suitable for gardens receiving at least four hours of direct sunlight daily include zinnas, cosmos, petunias, snapdragons and calendulas. Those annuals suitable for partially shaded areas include nasturtiums, primroses and spider flowers. For shade gardens, in which there is little direct sunlight, consider planting impatiens, begonias or coleus. As well as being harmless if eaten, none of these plants cause skin reactions if touched by animals.

Perennials

• Perennial flowers come up year after year in the garden. Animal-friendly flowering varieties for full sun include phlox, bee balm, hollyhocks and coneflowers. For partially sunny areas, choose columbines or coral bells. In warmer climes or indoors, the fragrant hibiscus is safe for animals. For shade gardens, astilbe or Queen of the Meadow are animal-friendly choices.