Cape Jasmine
Gardenia jasminoides · Rubiaceae
How it looks
Cape Jasmine (Gardenia) is an evergreen shrub with glossy, deep-green, oval leaves and large white flowers. The flowers have many overlapping petals like a rose and are very strongly scented. It reaches about 20 in to 6.5 ft (50 cm-2 m) tall and is grown in pots and gardens.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Cape Jasmine contain irritating compounds that can cause 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 of Cape Jasmine usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the genipin and gardenoside in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves or 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's appetite clearly drops, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Mild vomiting, diarrhea, hives
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Gardenia jasminoides
- Common name
- Cape Jasmine
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Genipin, Gardenoside
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Mild vomiting, diarrhea, hives
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
