Are Verbena Poisonous to Dogs? A Guide for Southern California Homeowners

Wilzave Quiles Guzmán
Jul 21
4 min read

Verbena is a colorful and resilient plant, popular across Southern California landscapes for its vibrant blooms, drought tolerance, and ease of care. But for pet owners, especially dog lovers, an important question often arises: Are Verbena plants poisonous to dogs?

As homeowners in Los Angeles, Riverside, and surrounding regions continue to seek eco-friendly, pet-safe landscapes, understanding which plants may pose risks to furry family members is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore the potential toxicity of Verbena, highlight safe landscaping practices, and offer alternatives that balance aesthetics with pet safety.

Let’s dive in—because your landscape should be just as safe as it is stunning.

Understanding the Different Varieties of Verbena

Before we answer the toxicity question, it’s important to recognize that “Verbena” doesn’t refer to just one plant. There are numerous varieties of Verbena, with differences in growth habits, flower colors, and—most importantly—chemical composition.

Common varieties include:

Variety	Growth Habit	Typical Use
Verbena bonariensis	Tall, airy perennial	Pollinator gardens, background
Verbena rigida	Low, spreading	Ground covers
Verbena x hybrida	Mounded, annual/perennial hybrids	Flower beds, containers
Lantana (Verbena-like)	Shrubby	Frequently mistaken for Verbena

Some plants, such as Lantana camara, are often confused with Verbena but are different species altogether—and they are confirmed to be toxic to pets.

So, Are Verbena Poisonous to Dogs?

Short Answer: It Depends on the Species

True Verbena species (like Verbena officinalis and Verbena bonariensis) are generally not considered highly toxic to dogs, but they can still cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms may include:

Drooling
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy

However, plants like Lantana camara, which are sometimes mistakenly labeled as Verbena, are highly toxic and can lead to:

Liver failure
Weakness
Difficulty breathing
Even death if consumed in large amounts

👉 Always double-check your plant labels when purchasing from nurseries or garden centers, and ask your landscaper to verify species before installation.

How to Create a Pet-Safe Landscape in Southern California

Living in Southern California means you can enjoy vibrant, year-round landscaping—but with pets in mind, it’s smart to be intentional about your plant selections. Here’s how to keep your yard beautiful and dog-friendly:

1. Choose True, Non-Toxic Verbena

If you're committed to using Verbena in your landscape, opt for Verbena bonariensis or Verbena rigida, both of which are widely used in California gardens and are low-risk for pets. These varieties are also drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun—perfect for SoCal climates.

2. Avoid Lantana (a Common Toxic Lookalike)

Although Lantana is sometimes labeled as “trailing verbena,” it’s best to avoid it if you have pets. Its leaves and berries are extremely toxic to dogs.

Helpful Tip: Lantana leaves tend to be more leathery and rough, while true Verbena has softer, more delicate foliage.

3. Use Raised Beds or Barriers

To prevent your pets from nibbling on plants altogether, consider raised garden beds, decorative rock borders, or low fencing that subtly guides dogs away from sensitive areas.

4. Opt for Other Pet-Safe Flowering Plants

In addition to safe varieties of Verbena, consider these dog-friendly alternatives:

Marigolds
Snapdragons
Zinnias
Sunflowers
Alyssum

These plants not only keep your pets safe but also thrive in Southern California’s warm, dry climate.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Verbena or a Toxic Lookalike

If your dog ingests any part of a plant you suspect might be Verbena or Lantana, follow these steps:

Remove plant material from the dog’s mouth (if visible).
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.
Monitor for symptoms like vomiting, drooling, or lethargy.
Bring a sample or a photo of the plant for identification, if needed.

In most cases involving non-toxic Verbena, symptoms will be mild. However, if it was Lantana or another toxic species, urgent care may be required.

Why It Matters for Landscaping Projects

Whether you're refreshing your yard or installing a new garden design, it's important to work with a professional who understands the balance between aesthetics, climate-resilience, and pet safety.

At Deloya Masonry, we specialize in creating custom landscapes for Southern California homes that are not only beautiful but also safe for your entire household—including your four-legged family members.

We help you:

Identify pet-safe plants and materials
Avoid toxic species like Lantana
Incorporate hardscaping features (like retaining walls, walkways, and raised beds) that protect both your landscape and your pets
Design fire-resistant, drought-tolerant, and environmentally responsible outdoor spaces

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Enjoy Verbena with Dogs—Just Be Informed

To answer the question “Are Verbena poisonous to dogs?” — most true Verbena species are relatively safe, especially when compared to toxic lookalikes like Lantana. But as a responsible pet owner and homeowner, it’s always wise to err on the side of caution and consult with experts when planning your outdoor space.

🌱 Want a custom, pet-safe landscape for your Southern California home?

Contact Deloya Masonry today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you select the right plants, materials, and layout to keep your yard safe, stylish, and sustainable for every member of the family—paws included.