Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus · Asteraceae
How it looks
Tarragon is a small plant with narrow, long dark green leaves densely set along the branches. Crushing the leaves releases a soft, anise-like aroma. It grows 1.5–3 ft (50 cm–1 m) tall, and small yellow-green flowers gather at the branch tips.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Tarragon contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Onset (typical course)
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Tarragon rarely leads to serious trouble, but its sesquiterpene lactones 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.
Details
- Scientific name
- Artemisia dracunculus
- Common name
- Tarragon
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Essential oils
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Asteraceae
Related guides
Top 10 Flowers Dangerous to Cats — The Ones You See at Florists
Ten flowers you'll commonly find at florists and grocery stores that are toxic to cats. Check before you receive them, and before you bring them home.
Got a Bouquet? What to Do If You Have a Cat
A bouquet is a lovely surprise — but if you live with a cat, there are a few things to take care of right away. From checking what's in the arrangement to choosing the right vase, here's what actually helps, in order.
Why Cats Chew Plants, and How to Stop It
A cat chewing and tearing at plants isn't just mischief — there's an instinct behind it. Once you understand why, the ways to stop it follow naturally.