Butterfly Iris
Iris spuria · Iridaceae
How it looks
Butterfly Iris grows narrow, long, sword-shaped leaves in clumps and bears iris-shaped flowers at the top of the stalk, with three large petals drooping downward and three standing upward. Yellow, purple, and white are common, and it reaches about 24-39 in (60-100 cm) tall.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Butterfly Iris (especially the bulb) contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy 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 Butterfly Iris rarely leads to serious trouble, but the irisin and iridals it contains irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild digestive upset. Make a habit of picking up fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot out of your cat's reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite drops noticeably, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Iris spuria
- Common name
- Butterfly Iris
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the bulbs)
- Compounds
- Irisin, Iridals
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Iridaceae
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