Amaryllis
Hippeastrum · Amaryllidaceae
How it looks
Amaryllis is a bulb plant in which 2-6 large trumpet-shaped flowers cluster at the top of a thick stalk. The colors are varied, including red, pink, white, and striped, and the showy flowers are 4-8 in (10-20 cm) in size. The leaves are broad, long, and strap-shaped. It grows 16-28 in (40-70 cm) tall.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
The bulbs, leaves, and flowers of Amaryllis contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, depression, and diarrhea 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 of Amaryllis usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the lycorine and other alkaloids in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves or 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's appetite clearly drops, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Hippeastrum
- Common name
- Amaryllis
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Toxic parts
- Bulbs, Leaves, Flowers
- Compounds
- Lycorine, Alkaloids
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Amaryllidaceae
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