Identification
Why scientific plant names matter for pet safety
The same common name can be used casually for different plants, and different plants can carry very different pet risks.
Common names are convenient but imprecise
Names like lily, palm, fern, and daisy can hide important differences. A true lily is a high-risk cat hazard, while a peace lily is a different plant with a different risk profile.
Use the label, receipt, or nursery listing
When possible, compare the scientific name from the plant label with the source name. If the plant cannot be identified, treat it as unknown and keep it away from pets.