Wahoo
Euonymus occidentalis · Celastraceae
How it looks
Wahoo is a deciduous shrub of the spindle-tree group with serrated oval leaves arranged oppositely. Small purplish flowers cluster along the branches, and in autumn pink-to-red four-lobed fruits split open to reveal hanging orange seeds inside. It grows 3–16 ft (1–5 m) tall.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of this plant 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.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on wahoo rarely leads to serious trouble, but the sesquiterpenoids it contains irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild digestive upset. Make a habit of picking up fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot out of your cat's reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite drops noticeably, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Euonymus occidentalis
- Common name
- Wahoo
- Family
- Celastraceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Sesquiterpenoids
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Celastraceae
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