Great as a gift 🌸
Hollyhock
Alcea rosea · Malvaceae
How it looks
Hollyhock is a herb with very large five-petaled, plate- or trumpet-shaped flowers blooming in rows along a straight, tall flower stalk. Colors range widely-pink, red, yellow, purple, black, white-and the leaves are large and palmately lobed. Height 5-10 ft (1.5-3 m).
Hollyhock is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
What your cat can reach is the lower leaves and stems, plus whatever has fallen to the ground. If it is standing outside in the yard, take a look at whether the space underneath is a path your cat uses often.
Fallen leaves keep piling up if left alone, so clear the side where your cat spends time now and then. If you have brought it indoors in a pot, the rim of the pot — or the tips of any trailing stems — becomes that spot instead.
Details
- Scientific name
- Alcea rosea
- Common name
- Hollyhock
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Malvaceae
Other safe flowers
Related guides

7 Cat-Safe Flowers to Give a Cat Owner
Want to give flowers to a friend or family member who has a cat? Here are 7 flowers that are both beautiful and safe for cats.

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.
