Gladiola
Gladiolus species · Iridaceae
How it looks
The Gladiola is a bulb plant whose funnel-shaped flowers hang in a row down one side of a long stalk. Colors are varied, including red, pink, yellow, white, and purple. The leaves are narrow, long, and sword-shaped, and the plant stands 24–59 in (60–150 cm) tall.
Caution — the bulbs are the most toxic part
Like other bulb plants, Gladiola concentrates its toxins in the underground bulb. Eating the bulb causes pronounced vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Guide for parents
Gladiola is common as a summer garden plant or cut flower. The flowers and leaves are fairly low-risk, but the bulb in the pot is clearly dangerous. When repotting, be careful that your cat doesn't chew a bulb exposed in the soil. If you suspect your cat ate a bulb, you'll need to consult your vet right away. For flowers that come only as cut flowers, just keep the vase out of reach.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Gladiolus species
- Common name
- Gladiola
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the bulbs)
- Compounds
- Iridals, Alkaloids
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Iridaceae
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