Sweet William

Dianthus barbatus

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

Leaves

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant.

Hazard type

NC State rates poison severity Low: no reports of ingestion, but skin irritation from contact (reported for clove pinks), lasting only a few minutes. Toxic principle given as triterpenoid saponins.

Hazard route

skin contact causing brief minor irritation; NC State rates poison severity Low and reports no cases of ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Verdict: toxic, per ASPCA Eastern Star.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: Not checked yet
Light: Full sun to partial shade; NC State says sun or partial shade in hot summer climates.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall and 0.5 to 1 foot wide (NC State Extension).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon