Is Giant Dracaena Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Cordyline australis
Advertisement
Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Saponins |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
Advertisement
Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
Advertisement
What to do
Usually resolves within a day without treatment; same mild saponin mechanism as Snake Plant and Lucky Bamboo, other Dracaena/Asparagaceae relatives.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Giant Dracaena is saponins.
What makes this plant different
Giant Dracaena shares its saponin-based mild toxicity with Snake Plant and Lucky Bamboo, all Dracaena/Asparagaceae relatives — the 'giant' in the name refers to its larger mature size as an outdoor tree, not increased toxicity.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Cordyline australis
- Family
- Agavaceae
- Also known as
- Giant Dracaena, Palm Lily, Grass Palm
- Typically found
- both
Pet-safe alternatives
Advertisement
Related plants
Baby Doll Ti Plant
Cordyline terminalis
Bottle Palm
Beaucarnea recurvata
Dracaena
Dracaena spp.
Snake Plant
Sansevieria trifasciata
Yucca
Yucca spp.
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control