Are Oriole Zinnias Poisonous to Dogs?

Safe for Spot

• All zinnia species are nontoxic, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The flowers are not poisonous to dogs, or even cats for that matter. In fact, they are so safe for pets that they are recommended as a garden plant for pet owners by Found Animals, a website dedicated to saving animals from being euthanized and educating owners on pet care.

Bright and Bold

• "Oriole" is a cultivar of Zinnia elegans notable for its tall, sturdy stems and showy, orange and yellow flowers. The plant grows to a maximum height of around 3 feet, attracts bees and butterflies, and is deer resistant. This zinnia makes an excellent cut flower, according to Select Seeds.

Plant Them Annually

• "Oriole" zinnias are annual flowers grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 11. They are not frost-hardy and die when the cold weather of autumn arrives. Still, the large, heavily ruffled flowers make them well worth growing, even if you have to plant them every year. In fact, they are one of the few zinnia cultivars that resembles dahlias (Dahlia spp.). Unlike zinnias, however, dahlias are perennials that grow best in USDA zones 8 through 10.

Proper Care

• Although these zinnias won't hurt your dog, you'll probably still want to keep your dog away from the flowers, if only to avoid ruining their stunning blooms. Zinnias grow best in full sun in well-draining, humusy soil. They thrive in soil that is continually, evenly moist without being waterlogged. Pinch young plants to help them develop bushier growth. Once the flowers fade, snap them off. This will direct the plant's energy to producing new blooms.