Larkspur
Delphinium species · Ranunculaceae
How it looks
Delphinium (Larkspur) is a herb with palmately divided leaves and purple, blue, and white flowers densely arranged like a spike along a straight, tall flower stalk. Each flower has a spur behind the petals, and it grows 24 in-7 ft (60 cm-2 m) tall, popular in gardens.
Mild caution — sap irritation
All parts of Larkspur (Larkspur) contain diterpenoid alkaloids (such as delphinine); chewing can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's a mild caution-level plant, but direct contact with the sap should be avoided.
Guide for parents
Larkspur is a summer cut flower known for its blue blooms. Sap exposure is the biggest risk. After trimming the stems, wipe away any sap from the cut ends right away so it doesn't get on the table or around the vase. If your cat ingests any, rinse its mouth with water, and if drooling lasts more than 6 hours, consult a vet. It's best to trim fresh flowers in a separate room away from your cat.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Delphinium species
- Common name
- Larkspur
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Protoanemonin
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
Also known as
Related plants
Same plant family· Ranunculaceae
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