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Barnaby's Thistle
Centaurea solstitialis · Asteraceae
How it looks
Barnaby's Thistle is a herb with long, sharp, spine-like leaves and small yellow flowers gathered in a round flower head surrounded by large spines. The leaves and stems are densely set with coarse spines, and it reaches about 12-31 in (30-80 cm) tall, common in the wild.
Barnaby's Thistle is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
If leaves or stems sit at a height your cat can reach, they may get chewed or snapped. If the same spot keeps turning up damaged, that may be a route your cat takes.
If the pot can be moved, shift it off that route; if the plant is in the ground, just pick up dropped or broken pieces whenever you notice them.
Details
- Scientific name
- Centaurea solstitialis
- Common name
- Barnaby's Thistle
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Asteraceae
Other safe flowers
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