Sweet Cherry
Prunus avium · Rosaceae
How it looks
Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) bears glossy, serrated oval leaves and, in spring, white-to-pale-pink flowers in clusters on the branches. In summer small round fruit in red and deep crimson hangs from the branches. Height 16-50 ft (5-15 m).
Caution — cyanide in the branches and leaves
The stems, leaves, and seeds of Sweet Cherry contain cyanide, and cut branches are at their most toxic while they wilt. If swallowed it can turn the mucous membranes brick red, dilate the pupils, and lead to difficulty breathing or shock.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Symptoms
- Brick red mucous membranes, Dilated pupils, Difficulty breathing, Shock
- Onset (typical course)
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
Guide for parents
Sweet Cherry is both the tree that bears cherries and the tree sold as cut blossom branches in spring. The parts ASPCA names are the stems, leaves, and seeds, so a branch standing in a vase is the closest route of exposure indoors.
Cut branches wilt over the days that follow, and the plant grows more toxic as it wilts. Once the leaves start to droop, take them out rather than letting them dry.
Avoid sharing cherries with the stone still in, and if you suspect your cat has eaten any part, check whether the gums and inner eyelids have turned brick red and whether the pupils are dilated, then call your vet.
Details
- Scientific name
- Prunus avium
- Common name
- Sweet Cherry
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Toxic parts
- Stems, Leaves, Seeds
- Compounds
- Cyanogenic glycosides
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Rosaceae
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