Is it toxic to dogs?
Hostas
Hosta spp. · Asparagaceae
Also called Plantain lily, Funkia
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Mild
Yes. The ASPCA lists hostas as toxic to dogs. The saponins in the plant typically cause vomiting, diarrhea and a dull, tired dog.
- Toxic parts
- Leaves and other plant parts (the sources do not single out one part)
- Toxic compounds
- Saponins
- Where you’ll find it
- Garden
Signs of poisoning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression or lethargy
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Hostas are the shade-garden workhorses, grown for their broad, ribbed leaves in every shade of green, blue and cream. They are sometimes sold as plantain lilies, but they are not true lilies.
The ASPCA lists hostas as toxic to dogs because of saponins, soap-like compounds that irritate the digestive system. It records vomiting, diarrhea and depression. Pet Poison Helpline groups the signs into stomach upset and low energy, and does not describe anything beyond that.
Hostas are an easy plant to get into trouble with because they sit right at dog height. A dog that likes to graze on garden greenery, or a puppy exploring a shaded border, can strip a few leaves in no time. The toxicity is on the lower end, but a dog that eats a lot can still have a miserable day.
If your dog ate hostas
Clear any leaf from your dog's mouth and keep them off the bed. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea and unusual tiredness.
Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply), if your dog ate a large amount, keeps vomiting, or seems very flat or weak. Outside the US, contact your local emergency vet. Don't try to make your dog vomit at home. If you can, note how many leaves are missing and when you noticed.
Keeping your dog safe
Edge hosta beds with low fencing, or plant them in a section of the yard your dog can't enter. Container hostas can be raised onto a shelf or patio table.
For shady spots where your dog roams, a Boston fern or camellia fills the same role. Keep up a firm "leave it" on garden walks, and don't leave a bored dog unsupervised in a planted bed.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Are hostas the same as lilies?
No. Hostas are sometimes called plantain lilies, but they belong to a different genus. Each is listed on its own, so check any lily-type plant by its scientific name.
Which part of a hosta is toxic?
The sources do not name a single part, so treat the whole plant as unsafe to chew.
Is one nibble of hosta a problem?
Unlikely to be, but watch for vomiting, diarrhea or low energy and call your vet if signs appear or your dog ate a lot.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy