Christmas Rose
Helleborus niger · Ranunculaceae
How it looks
Christmas Rose bears flowers with five white to pink petals opening in a cup shape around a cluster of yellow anthers at the center, blooming in winter to early spring. The leaves are palm-shaped, deeply divided, deep-green and leathery, and it reaches about 8-16 in (20-40 cm) tall.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Christmas Rose contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhea 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 of Christmas Rose usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the cardiac glycosides and protoanemonin in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves or broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite clearly drops, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, colic, diarrhea, nervous system depression
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Helleborus niger
- Common name
- Christmas Rose
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Cardiac glycosides, Protoanemonin
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, colic, diarrhea, nervous system depression
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Ranunculaceae
Related guides
Top 10 Flowers Dangerous to Cats — The Ones You See at Florists
Ten flowers you'll commonly find at florists and grocery stores that are toxic to cats. Check before you receive them, and before you bring them home.
Got a Bouquet? What to Do If You Have a Cat
A bouquet is a lovely surprise — but if you live with a cat, there are a few things to take care of right away. From checking what's in the arrangement to choosing the right vase, here's what actually helps, in order.
Why Cats Chew Plants, and How to Stop It
A cat chewing and tearing at plants isn't just mischief — there's an instinct behind it. Once you understand why, the ways to stop it follow naturally.