Home » Pets, Habitats, & More
Natural Termite Remedy
Buglogical
If you live in the desert odds you have, or will have, termites. I found this company years ago and have used them on our own home (that was previously treated with chemicals…but they came back quickly). After using these they have stayed gone for a couple of years (as long as we have lived here). They have showed up in other areas and we are treating those now. IMPORTANT: Keep the ground wet as noted in the instructions for the desired results. I suggest soaking to a depth of 1-2 feet prior to applying and water daily (pending time of year).
Round-Up Alternatives
Drug Watch has a list of alternatives to Round-Up if you need to kill some weeds (none to my knowledge will tackle bermuda grass)
Toxic & Non-Toxic Plant Lists
There are several sources for plant lists and I suggest checking a few. Sadly, many do not include desert plants and I have started my own lists of these. Be sure to know the scientific name of the plant you are researching as common names can be used for multiple plants. Also to get through the list quickly you can search the pages using ctrl+F
ASPCA
For this one be sure to click on the plant name, not all toxicity levels are equal and some plants on this list only cause dermatitis…an issue, but a far cry from death
Garden Oracle
A great source for desert plant info
California Poison Control
For people and pets
Chickens
Not the best as it is all common names…but a place to start
Livestock
One missing from this list is Chinese Pistache, I unfortunately do not have the link, but at one time I searched endlessly for info on this plant and ultimately found that it was deadly to horses. The only truly safe tree I have found is Vitex, however, I have seen horses corralled under eucalyptus and be just fine…
My Dog Lists
Obviously dogs are the most common concern for homeowners. I have been slowly working to create my own list of desert plants. Like all lists note, each animal is different, and while some may not be affected by a certain plant, another will. Always keep an eye on your pets with new plants.
Safe Plants for Dogs
This is a list I continue to work on as many lists do not include desert plants. This list is only as good as my sources, and like all lists, I suggest double checking yourself and know that your dog may be different.
| Trees | |
|---|---|
| Chaste Tree | Vitex agnus -castus |
| Pygmy Palm | Phoenix roebelenii |
| Vines | |
|---|---|
| Lilac Vine | Hardenbergia Violacea |
| Queen’s Wreath | Antignon leptopus |
| Tangerine Crossvine | Bignonia capreolata |
| Succulents | |
|---|---|
| Hearts & Flowers | Aptenia cordifolia |
| Ice Plant | Lampranthus spectabilis |
| Red Spike Ice Plant | Cephalophyllum alstonii |
| Purple Heart | Tradescantia pallida |
| Shrubs/Perennials | |
|---|---|
| Angelita Daisy | Tetraneuris acaulis |
| Arabian Jasmine | Jasminum sambac |
| Bamboo Muhly | Muhlenbergia dumosa |
| Blackfoot Daisy | Melampodium leucanthum |
| Blue Bells | Eremophila hygrophana |
| Blue Hibiscus | Alyogyne huegelii |
| Cape Honeysuckle | Tecomaria capensis |
| Chuparosa | Justicia californica |
| Damianita | Chrysactinia mexicana |
| Deer Grass | Muhlenbergia rigens |
| Elephant Food | Portulacaria afra |
| Golden Eye | Viguiera deltoidea |
| Sea Lavender | Limonium perezii |
| Shrimp Plant | Justicia brandegeeana |
| Winter Blaze Emu | Eremophila glabra ‘Winter Blaze’ |
| Yellow Bells | Tecoma stans |
Toxic Plants for Dogs
This is a list I continue to work on as many lists do not include desert plants. This list is only as good as my sources, and like all lists, I suggest double checking yourself and know that your dog may be different.
| Trees | |
|---|---|
| Sago | Cyaca revoluta |
| Texas Mountain Laurel | Sophora secundiflora |
| Vines | |
|---|---|
| TBD |
| Succulents | |
|---|---|
| Firesticks | Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Fire Sticks’ |
| Slipper Plant & Tall Slipper | Pedilanthus macrocarpus Pedilanthus bracteatus |
| Moroccan Mound | Euphorbia resinifera |
| Shrubs/Perennials | |
|---|---|
| Asparagus Fern / Foxtail Fern | Asparagus densiflorus & Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’ |
| Golden Dew Drops / Skyflower | Duranta erecta |
| White Plumbago | Plumbago scandens |
| Lantana | Lantana sp. But I have seen dogs eat this when grass is not present for the same reason/effect |
Monarch Habitat Info
Tortoise Info
Desert Tortoise
Sulcata & Leopard
Safe Plants
The left side menu also has toxic plants and more info