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Summer Hyacinth
Galtonia spp. · Asparagaceae
How it looks
The summer hyacinth is a bulb plant whose stout flower stalk carries a long row of pendant, bell-shaped white flowers. The leaves are narrow, long, and sword-shaped in deep green, growing in a clump from the base. Height 31–47 in (80–120 cm); it blooms in summer.
Summer Hyacinth (Galtonia) has no reported toxicity to cats according to the ASPCA. Despite the similar name, it belongs to a different genus from spring hyacinths (Hyacinthus), so be careful not to confuse the two.
Guide for parents
It's easy to confuse with spring hyacinth (whose bulb is a hazard). Check the scientific name (Galtonia) on the label when you buy. It's a safe plant, but if your cat likes to eat potting soil or fertilizer, that can upset their stomach — covering the soil with pebbles works well. Since the name resembles spring hyacinth (Hyacinthus), leave the pot's name tag in place to avoid mix-ups.
Details
- Scientific name
- Galtonia spp.
- Common name
- Summer Hyacinth
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
Also known as
Related plants
Same plant family· Asparagaceae
Other safe flowers
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