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Butternut Squash
Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' · Cucurbitaceae
How it looks
Butternut Squash is a long, narrow-waisted, gourd-shaped squash with smooth light orange to brown skin. Vines with large, rough palmate leaves grow, and large yellow bell-shaped flowers bloom. At 8–12 in (20–30 cm) in size it is a popular autumn and winter squash.
Butternut Squash is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
While it is growing out in a garden bed, what overlaps with your cat is the leaves and stems; once it is harvested and kept indoors, that becomes the spot instead.
Trimmings dropped while you prepare it tend to stay on the floor, so clear them the same day. If you are keeping it whole, pick a place your cat does not climb onto.
Details
- Scientific name
- Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut'
- Common name
- Butternut Squash
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Cucurbitaceae
Other safe flowers
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