Lemon
Citrus limonia · Rutaceae
How it looks
The lemon tree is an evergreen tree with glossy, oval dark green leaves and white to pale pink star-shaped flowers. The branches bear thorns and yellow oval fruit. The leaves and rind carry a strong citrus scent, and it reaches 7-16 ft (2-5 m) tall.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
The bark and seeds of Lemon contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Lemon rarely leads to serious trouble, but its limonene and furocoumarins can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. 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 shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Citrus limonia
- Common name
- Lemon
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Toxic parts
- Bark, Seeds
- Compounds
- Limonene, Furocoumarins
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Rutaceae
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