Chinese Jade
Crassula arborescens · Crassulaceae
How it looks
Chinese Jade is a succulent with thick gray-green to silvery oval fleshy leaves arranged in opposite pairs. Its leaf color is more gray and silvery than the common jade plant. It stands 12 in–3 ft (30 cm–1 m) tall, with a reddish tinge along the leaf edges.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Chinese Jade contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and depression 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 Chinese Jade usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the unidentified compounds 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
- Vomiting, depression, ataxia
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Crassula arborescens
- Common name
- Chinese Jade
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Unknown
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, depression, ataxia
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
