Coffee Tree
Polyscias guilfoylei · Araliaceae
How it looks
Polyscias (Coffee Tree) is a foliage plant with feather-shaped, divided leaves that gather at the stem tips. The leaf margins are toothed or wavy, and the stems are slender and grow upright. It reaches 20 in to 7 ft (50 cm-2 m) tall and is grown as an indoor bonsai.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Coffee Tree 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 Coffee Tree usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the saponins 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
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Polyscias guilfoylei
- Common name
- Coffee Tree
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Saponins
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Araliaceae
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.