Heavenly Bamboo
Nandina domestica · Berberidaceae
How it looks
Heavenly Bamboo is an evergreen shrub with feathery, finely divided leaves that gather at the stem tips. The new growth and the autumn and winter leaves turn red. Small white flowers bloom in clusters, and round red fruit hangs in large clusters. It reaches 3-7 ft (1-2 m) tall. It is not a true bamboo.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Heavenly Bamboo 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 Heavenly Bamboo rarely leads to serious trouble, but the alkaloids 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
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Nandina domestica
- Common name
- Heavenly Bamboo
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Alkaloids
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
