§ Toxic plants · Verbenaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is lemon verbena toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Moderate, level 2 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea and belly pain. 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.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Verbenaceae plants toxic to pets
Lemon verbena belongs to the Verbenaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about lemon verbena and pets
Is lemon verbena toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists lemon verbena as toxic to cats.
Is lemon verbena toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists lemon verbena as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats lemon verbena?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea and belly pain. Plant Smart rates it Moderate, level 2 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.