Is Peony safe for cats and dogs?
| Species | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Dogs | Toxic |
Severity: Moderate
Read the full first-aid guide: what to do if your pet ate something toxic
Peony is a fixture of Midwestern gardens, and in Indiana it holds official status: the state legislature named it Indiana's state flower in 1957, replacing the zinnia, which had held the title since 1931. The designation, blooming in shades of red, pink, and white through late May and early June, is codified in state law and applies to the flower generally, without a particular variety specified. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach lists garden peonies as hardy across USDA zones 3 through 8, a range that covers nearly the entire Midwest, and describes them as long-lived perennials that, once planted, are best left undisturbed for years.
Peonies also carry a well-known garden myth: that the ants often seen crawling over their unopened buds are needed to help the flower open. University of Minnesota Extension addresses this directly, stating plainly that ants are not necessary for peonies to bloom - the buds open on their own regardless of ant activity.
None of that changes the risk to pets. If a cat or dog eats peony flowers, leaves, or roots, the plant compound paeonol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) if a pet shows these signs after chewing on a peony plant.
Facts and examples
- The peony was "adopted by the Indiana General Assembly in 1957," replacing the zinnia, which was the state flower from 1931 to 1957; the designation is codified in Indiana Code 1-2-7 and does not specify a particular peony variety or color. (source, verified 2026-08-01)
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach describes garden peonies as "long-lived perennials that grow reliably year-after-year" and "best planted and left alone," hardy to USDA zones 3-8 (tree peonies reliably hardy to zone 5). (source, verified 2026-08-01)
- University of Minnesota Extension states "ants are not necessary for peonies to bloom," addressing the common garden myth that ants must be present for peony buds to open. (source, verified 2026-08-01)
Verdict re-verified against aspca.org, 2026-08-01 — confirmed unchanged. Source
This page is for general information only and is not veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is showing symptoms, or you think they ate or touched something dangerous, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison-control hotline immediately.
Last verified 2026-08-01