Are hosta plants toxic?

Hosta plants are toxic to dogs, cats and horses according to the ASPCA. Hostas, or Hosta plataginea, contain saponins, which are toxic to pets and animals. Hostas are also known as plantain lily or funkia.

Hostas are a collection of 23 to 45 plants that are cultivated as a shade-tolerant foliage plant. It has erect shoots of flowers during blooming season. Some of the side effects of saponin poisoning are diarrhea and vomiting. Hostas are commonly eaten by other animals, such as voles, deer, rabbits, snails and slugs. The plant is native to northeast Asia, but is widely seen in the United States.