Choke Cherry
Prunus virginiana · Rosaceae
How it looks
Choke Cherry is a deciduous shrub or small tree with glossy, serrated oval leaves and white flowers that bloom in spring on long, drooping clusters (4–6 in / 10–15 cm). In summer it bears small, round red-to-purple fruits in clusters with a strongly astringent taste. It grows 10–33 ft (3–10 m) tall.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
The seeds, leaves, and bark of Choke Cherry 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 Choke Cherry rarely leads to serious trouble, but its cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) 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
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased heart rate
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Prunus virginiana
- Common name
- Choke Cherry
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Toxic parts
- Seeds, Leaves, Bark
- Compounds
- Cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin)
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased heart rate
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
