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Callistemon citrinus
Callistemon citrinus · Myrtaceae
How it looks
Callistemon citrinus (bottlebrush) is a shrub whose deep red to crimson, fine stamens cluster densely at the branch tips to form a bottlebrush-shaped flower head. The leaves are narrow, long, and gray-green, and give off a lemon scent when rubbed. It grows 3-13 ft (1-4 m) tall.
Callistemon citrinus 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
- Callistemon citrinus
- Common name
- Callistemon citrinus
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
