Jerusalem Cherry
Solanum pseudocapsicum · Solanaceae
How it looks
Jerusalem Cherry is an ornamental shrub in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) with small oval, dark-green leaves, white star-shaped flowers, and round red fruits that appear on the branches in autumn and winter. The fruit looks like a tomato or cherry but is inedible. Height 12-24 in (30-60 cm).
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Jerusalem Cherry contain solanine-like alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal upset and depression if chewed. It can progress to ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract, seizures, and shock, so as a caution-level plant it calls for monitoring.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Symptoms
- Gastrointestinal upset, Gastrointestinal ulceration, Seizures, Depression, Respiratory depression, Shock
- Onset (typical course)
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
Guide for parents
The solanine-like alkaloids in Jerusalem cherry irritate the gut, causing gastrointestinal upset and depression, and in worse cases ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract, seizures, depressed breathing, or shock.
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's energy clearly drops, consult your vet — and go in right away if you see seizures or shallow breathing.
Details
- Scientific name
- Solanum pseudocapsicum
- Common name
- Jerusalem Cherry
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Solanine-like alkaloids
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Solanaceae
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