Plantain Lily
Hosta plantaginea · Asparagaceae
How it looks
Plantain Lily (Hosta) is a perennial with thick, heavy, heart- to oval-shaped leaves growing in clumps from the base. The leaves vary widely by cultivar in deep-green, blue-green, or yellow-variegated tones, with deep parallel veins. In summer a stalk of pale-purple or white bell-shaped flowers rises.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Plantain Lily contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy 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 of Plantain Lily usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but its unidentified compounds (presumed steroidal saponins) 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
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Hosta plantaginea
- Common name
- Plantain Lily
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Unknown (presumed steroidal saponins)
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Asparagaceae
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