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.
Dangerous — neuromuscular paralysis
All parts of Larkspur contain diterpenoid alkaloids (such as delphinine); ingestion brings heavy drooling, muscle tremors, weakness, and convulsions as the muscles become paralyzed. Cardiac failure can occur, as can death from respiratory paralysis.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Symptoms
- Paralysis, Constipation, Abdominal pain, Hypersalivation, Tremors, Weakness, Convulsions, Cardiac failure, Death, Respiratory failure
- Onset (typical course)
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
Guide for parents
Larkspur is a summer cut flower known for its blue blooms, but don't bring it into a home with a cat. The alkaloids throughout the plant break the signal between nerve and muscle, so ingestion moves from heavy drooling, tremors, and weakness to stiffness, convulsions, and paralysis. Cardiac failure can occur, as can death from respiratory paralysis.
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 chewed or swallowed any, go to the vet immediately even if the signs look mild. Don't induce vomiting at home, and tell the vet which part was eaten and how much. It's best to trim fresh flowers in a separate room away from your cat.
Details
- Scientific name
- Delphinium species
- Common name
- Larkspur
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Protoanemonin
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Also known as
Related plants
Same plant family· Ranunculaceae
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