Jonquil
Narcissus jonquilla · Amaryllidaceae
How it looks
Jonquil is a type of narcissus with narrow, long, glossy leaves and small yellow trumpet-shaped flowers borne 2-6 to a stalk. Its flowers are smaller and more strongly scented than the common daffodil. It reaches about 10-16 in (25-40 cm) tall.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Jonquil (especially the bulb) contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling if chewed. Large ingestions can bring convulsions, low blood pressure, and arrhythmias, 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
- Vomiting, Drooling, Diarrhea, Convulsions, Low blood pressure, Tremors, Cardiac arrhythmia
- Onset (typical course)
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
Guide for parents
The lycorine and other alkaloids in Jonquil irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, so chewing it can bring vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea. The bulb holds the most toxin, and large ingestions can go on to tremors or convulsions.
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.
Details
- Scientific name
- Narcissus jonquilla
- Common name
- Jonquil
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the bulbs)
- Compounds
- Lycorine, Alkaloids
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Amaryllidaceae
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