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Australian Pine
Araucaria heterophylla · Araucariaceae
How it looks
Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a coniferous tree whose branches spread in evenly tiered layers, with small needle-shaped dark-green leaves densely set along the branches. Height 3-10 ft (1-3 m) in pots; also popular as a Christmas tree.
Australian Pine is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
What your cat can reach is the lower leaves and stems, plus whatever has fallen to the ground. If it is standing outside in the yard, take a look at whether the space underneath is a path your cat uses often.
Fallen leaves keep piling up if left alone, so clear the side where your cat spends time now and then. If you have brought it indoors in a pot, the rim of the pot — or the tips of any trailing stems — becomes that spot instead.
Details
- Scientific name
- Araucaria heterophylla
- Common name
- Australian Pine
- Family
- Araucariaceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
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