Great as a gift 🌸
Camellia
Camellia japonica · Theaceae
How it looks
The Camellia is an evergreen shrub or tree with thick, glossy dark green oval leaves arranged alternately. From late winter into spring, large flowers (5–12 cm / 2–5 in across) with anywhere from five to dozens of petals in red, pink, or white bloom singly at the branch tips. It stands 3–16 ft (1–5 m) tall.
Camellia is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
Even with a safe plant, make a habit of picking up fallen leaves the same day. If your cat likes to dig in or eat potting soil, fertilizer ingredients can upset their stomach — covering the soil with pebbles works well. If it comes home as a cut stem, florists often treat it with preservatives, so place the vase where your cat can't drink the water.
Details
- Scientific name
- Camellia japonica
- Common name
- Camellia
- Family
- Theaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Theaceae
Other safe flowers
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