Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Melanie Haynes
If you are looking for plants that are safe for pets in Florida, you have come to the right place.
Planning a home garden in Viera or anywhere along Floridaโs Space Coast is so rewarding, and knowing which plants are safe for pets makes the whole experience worry-free. Central Floridaโs warm climate supports a surprisingly wide range of beautiful, hardy plants that stay lush even through the mild winters here. That is great news for anyone who loves pet-friendly Florida landscaping and wants a yard that is as safe as it is stunning.
Whether you have curious cats who nibble on leaves or dogs who like to explore every corner of the backyard, the plants you choose really do matter. Our pets spend time outdoors with us, and we want those moments to be worry-free.
The nine plants that are safe for pets below are all verified non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and they all thrive right here in Brevard County. Pair this list with our guide to indoor plants safe for pets for a fully pet-safe home environment.
9 Plants That Are Safe for Pets in Florida
Pet parents in Viera, Suntree, Melbourne, and Rockledge ask us this all the time. The good news is that Floridaโs climate is ideal for a wide variety of non-toxic flowering plants, shrubs, trees, and herbs. Here are nine plants that are safe for pets right here on the Space Coast.
1. Camellia (Camellia genus)
The Camellia genus includes somewhere between 100 and 300 species of plants that are safe for pets. The ASPCA confirms Camellia is non-toxic to dogs and cats. The most common varieties in Florida are Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua, both of which produce large, colorful blooms that stand out beautifully against their glossy, evergreen leaves.
They are relatively hardy when planted in well-drained, acidic soil, which is easy to find or create here on the Space Coast.
2. Magnolia Tree (Magnolia genus)
The Southern Magnolia is practically a Florida icon, and the entire Magnolia genus is considered non-toxic to pets. These stately trees produce spectacular white blossoms and can provide shade, privacy, and year-round beauty to any yard.
You will also find the Sweetbay Magnolia and the Saucer Magnolia growing in Brevard County, each with its own seasonal charm. Magnolias are especially popular for larger yards in Viera where there is space for them to grow to their full height.
3. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary was officially reclassified from Rosmarinus officinalis to Salvia rosmarinus in 2017, though many gardeners still use both names. Either way, the standing and creeping varieties of this fragrant herb are generally non-toxic to pets and make a wonderful, low-maintenance addition to outdoor landscaping in Central Florida.
Rosemary also has a mild insect-repellent quality, which is a bonus for both you and your fur family. One important note: while the plant itself is safe in moderate amounts, concentrated rosemary essential oils should not be used directly on or around your pets.
4. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia genus)
Crape Myrtles are a favorite of Space Coast gardeners for good reason. These beautiful deciduous plants shed their bark throughout the year, giving the woody stems a striking mottled appearance. In spring and summer they are covered in thick clusters of purple, red, or white blossoms.
Crape Myrtle is non-toxic to both cats and dogs. One important distinction: do not confuse Crape Myrtle with Creeping Myrtle (Vinca minor), which is a completely different plant and is considered toxic to pets.
5. Banana Plant (Musa genus)
Looking for a bold, tropical statement plant that is also pet safe? The banana plant is a great choice. The ASPCA lists banana plants as non-toxic to both dogs and cats.
Several varieties thrive right here in Brevard County, including the Dwarf Cavendish (Musa acuminata), the Pink Velvet banana (Musa velutina), and the cold-hardy Japanese fiber banana (Musa basjoo). Although these plants can grow as tall as trees, the โtrunkโ is actually made up of large leaf stalks rather than wood.
6. Alumroot (Heuchera genus)
All plants in the Heuchera genus are non-toxic to pets, and several varieties do beautifully in Floridaโs warm, humid climate. Most are commonly called Alumroot, with one species, Heuchera sanguinea, often known as coral bells.
These plants are prized for their wide range of leaf and flower colors and do well in well-aerated, well-draining soil. Gardeners in Brevard County should look for heat and humidity-tolerant species like Heuchera villosa and Heuchera americana.
7. Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)
Pineapple Sage is one of those plants that earns its place in any garden on multiple levels. Its bright red tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and bees, it smells like fresh pineapple, the leaves and flowers are edible in teas and salads, and it is non-toxic to pets.
In South and Central Florida, Pineapple Sage often survives the winter and becomes a small subshrub. Even if it dies back during a cold snap, it usually returns. Eating large amounts of any plant can upset a petโs stomach, so keep that in mind even with non-toxic varieties.
8. Jasmine (Jasminum genus)
True Jasmine plants, those in the genus Jasminum, are a wonderful addition to pet-safe gardens in Florida. Their sweetly scented blooms add beauty and fragrance to any outdoor space, and they can climb trellises or spread as low shrubs depending on the variety.
Just be careful to verify the scientific name when purchasing: some plants commonly sold as โjasmine,โ such as Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine), are actually toxic to pets and should be avoided entirely.
9. Tickseed (Coreopsis genus)
Floridaโs official state wildflower has a wonderfully unassuming name, but tickseed is genuinely one of the best choices for a low-maintenance, pet-safe garden on the Space Coast. The ASPCA confirms Coreopsis is non-toxic to pets.
Sow seeds between October and January and you will be rewarded with bright, drought-tolerant blooms from spring through summer. Butterflies love them, and they often reseed themselves year after year with very little effort.
Tips for Keeping Pets Safe in Your Florida Garden
Choosing plants that are safe for pets is a fantastic start, but it is not the only thing that matters outdoors. Here are a few additional things to keep in mind as you plan your garden.
Fertilizers and pesticides can be just as dangerous as toxic plants, and many common lawn chemicals are harmful to dogs and cats. Always look for pet-safe formulas and follow label directions carefully.
Many Space Coast gardeners are also starting to use natural soil additives like cocoa bean hulls, which may look harmless but can actually be dangerous to dogs if ingested.
If you want to take your yardโs pet-friendliness to the next level, check out our guide to petscaping in Brevard County for design ideas that work for both your plants and your pets.
Enjoy Your Yard with Peace of Mind
Creating a pet-safe outdoor space in Viera or Brevard County does not have to be complicated.
With the right plants that are safe for pets, thoughtful landscaping, and a little awareness of what goes into your soil, you and your pets can enjoy many happy hours in the Florida sunshine together.
If you are looking for trusted pet sitting in Viera while you are away, Space Coast Pet Services is here to help. We are local, experienced, and we genuinely love your pets as if they were our own. Reach out anytime to learn more about our services throughout Brevard County.
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