Ezina · A Field Manual for Plant Care · United States Vol. I · Ed. 2027 · Proof copy

§ Toxic plants · Asparagaceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is Madagascar dragon-tree toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Madagascar dragon-tree (Dracaena marginata) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Severe, level 3 of 4.

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Madagascar dragon-tree (Dracaena marginata)
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. B.navez assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

§ 010 · Signs

What to watch for

Signs include vomiting, dullness or depression, loss of appetite, drooling, dilated pupils, belly pain, fast heartbeat, wobbliness or poor coordination and weakness. 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 Asparagaceae plants toxic to pets

Madagascar dragon-tree belongs to the Asparagaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about Madagascar dragon-tree and pets

Is Madagascar dragon-tree toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists Madagascar dragon-tree as toxic to cats.

Is Madagascar dragon-tree toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists Madagascar dragon-tree as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats Madagascar dragon-tree?

Signs include vomiting, dullness or depression, loss of appetite, drooling, dilated pupils, belly pain, fast heartbeat, wobbliness or poor coordination and weakness. Plant Smart rates it Severe, level 3 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.

Changes

5 Oct 2026: page drafted.

Sources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.

Plant Smart: Plant Smart: plants toxic to pets.

Photo: No machine-readable author provided. B.navez assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, source.

Checked Oct 2026.