Milkweed
Asclepias species · Apocynaceae
How it looks
Milkweed is an herb that exudes a white latex when the stem is cut, with large oval leaves in opposite pairs. Small pink, purple, or orange flowers cluster into ball-like heads. In fall, gourd-like swollen pods split open to release fluffy, tufted seeds. It grows 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) tall.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Milkweed contain cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting and lethargy if chewed. In rare cases this can progress to heart problems, so as a caution-level plant it calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble of Milkweed usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the unidentified compounds in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. 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.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, lethargy
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Asclepias species
- Common name
- Milkweed
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Cardiac glycosides, Galitoxin, Resinoids
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, lethargy
- 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· Apocynaceae
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