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Cocks Comb
Amaranthus hypochondriacus · Amaranthaceae
How it looks
Cocks Comb is a plant with large oval leaves in vivid colors that mix red, purple, green, and yellow. At the branch tips, tiny flowers pack densely into slender red or purple spikes or tail-shaped flower clusters. It grows 2–5 ft (60 cm–1.5 m) tall.
Cocks Comb is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
One note on species first. This page rests on the ASPCA verdict for prince's feather (Amaranthus hypochondriacus). The bedding amaranth sold under much the same name, Amaranthus tricolor, is a different species in the genus and is not on that list, so no cat-specific verdict covers it.
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
- Amaranthus hypochondriacus
- Common name
- Cocks Comb
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Amaranthaceae
Other safe flowers
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