§ Toxic plants · Rubiaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is common gardenia toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Common gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Mild, level 1 of 4.
Get a permanent discount if you join Early Access. iPhone and Android, in the contiguous U.S.
§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea and hives. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about common gardenia and pets
Is common gardenia toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists common gardenia as toxic to cats.
Is common gardenia toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists common gardenia as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats common gardenia?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea and hives. Plant Smart rates it Mild, level 1 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.
What else is common gardenia called?
Common gardenia is also sold or known as fortune's cape jasmine.