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Basil
Ocimum basilicum · Lamiaceae
How it looks
Basil is an herb with small, glossy dark green oval leaves arranged in opposite pairs and a square stem. Crushing a leaf releases a strong basil, Italian-cooking aroma. Small white flowers gather spike-like at the branch tips, and the plant stands 12–31 in (30–80 cm) tall.
Basil is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
Even with a safe plant, make a habit of picking up fallen leaves the same day. If your cat likes to dig in or eat potting soil, fertilizer ingredients can upset their stomach — covering the soil with pebbles works well. If it comes home as a cut stem, florists often treat it with preservatives, so place the vase where your cat can't drink the water.
Details
- Scientific name
- Ocimum basilicum
- Common name
- Basil
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
