Giant Dracaena
Cordyline australis · Asparagaceae
How it looks
Cordyline australis (Giant Dracaena) is a plant whose narrow, long sword-shaped leaves spray out fountain-like from the top of the stem. Varieties have dark green, purple, or red leaves. It grows 3–20 ft (1–6 m) tall and resembles a palm tree.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of this plant contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, 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 on giant dracaena rarely leads to serious trouble, but the saponins it contains irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild digestive upset. Make a habit of picking up fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot out of your cat's reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite drops noticeably, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Cordyline australis
- Common name
- Giant Dracaena
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Saponins
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
