Jack-in-the-pulpit
Arisaema triphyllum · Araceae
How it looks
Jack-in-the-pulpit is a distinctive plant with one or two large leaves each split into three lobes, and between them a hooded green-and-purple spathe enclosing a rod-shaped spadix (the "preacher"). It grows 12–31 in (30–80 cm) tall in shady woodlands.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Jack-in-the-pulpit contain irritating compounds that can cause drooling and vomiting 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 Jack-in-the-pulpit rarely leads to serious trouble, but the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals 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
- Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Arisaema triphyllum
- Common name
- Jack-in-the-pulpit
- Family
- Araceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
