Dahlia

Dahlia

Origin: Mexico, Central America, and northern South America

Tuberous Perennial
Cut Flower Favorite

Pet & Human Safety

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

Hazardous parts

leaves

Preparation

not applicable: not a food plant in PlotAndPetal

Hazard type

Phototoxic polyacetylene compounds

Hazard route

ingestion and skin contact

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

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses per ASPCA: toxic principle is unknown. Clinical signs are described as mild: mild gastrointestinal signs, mild dermatitis. NC State Extension independently notes the foliage is toxic if eaten in large quantities, and its phototoxic polyacetylene compounds can cause contact dermatitis, primarily affecting the leaves.

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.

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Care

Hardiness zones: 7a - 10b as a perennial (NC State Extension); grown as an annual, with tubers dug and stored over winter, farther north
Water needs: high
Mature size: Space plants 12 in to 3 ft apart depending on cultivar size.
Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)

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.

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