Angelica Tree
Aralia spinosa · Araliaceae
How it looks
The angelica tree (Aralia spinosa) is a deciduous shrub or small tree with large, deeply feather-divided leaves and dense large thorns on its stems and branches. In summer, small white flowers bloom in large clusters at the branch tips, and in autumn round black fruits hang in clusters. Height 10–33 ft (3–10 m).
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Angelica Tree 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 Angelica Tree rarely leads to serious trouble, but its araliin and saponins 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.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Aralia spinosa
- Common name
- Angelica Tree
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Araliin, Saponins
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
