Adam-and-Eve
Arum maculatum · Araceae
How it looks
Adam-and-Eve is an arum-family plant with large arrowhead-shaped leaves and a rod-shaped flower stalk that rises inside a hood-shaped, light green and purple spathe. It grows 12-20 in (30-50 cm) tall in shady woodlands.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
The leaves and rhizomes of Adam-and-Eve contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Adam-and-Eve rarely leads to serious trouble, but its insoluble calcium oxalate crystals can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Arum maculatum
- Common name
- Adam-and-Eve
- Family
- Araceae
- Toxic parts
- Leaves, Rhizomes
- Compounds
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Araceae
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