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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
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
- Camellia japonica
- Common name
- Camellia
- Family
- Theaceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Theaceae
Other safe flowers
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