Foxtail
Acalypha hispida · Euphorbiaceae
How it looks
Foxtail is a striking foliage-and-flowering plant whose long, drooping red-to-pink tail-shaped flower spikes (4–12 in / 10–30 cm) hang from the branch tips. The leaves are large dark green ovals, and the plant stands 2–5 ft (60 cm–1.5 m) tall.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Foxtail contain an irritating milky sap 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 on Foxtail rarely leads to serious trouble, but its diterpenoid esters can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and 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 shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Acalypha hispida
- Common name
- Foxtail
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (latex)
- Compounds
- Diterpenoid esters
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation
- 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· Euphorbiaceae
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