Jerusalem Cherry
Solanum pseudocapsicum · Solanaceae
How it looks
Jerusalem Cherry is an ornamental shrub in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) with small oval, dark-green leaves, white star-shaped flowers, and round red fruits that appear on the branches in autumn and winter. The fruit looks like a tomato or cherry but is inedible. Height 12-24 in (30-60 cm).
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Jerusalem Cherry contain irritating compounds that can cause heavy drooling 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 Jerusalem Cherry rarely leads to serious trouble, but its solanine-like alkaloids 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
- Hypersalivation, gastrointestinal upset, depression
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Solanum pseudocapsicum
- Common name
- Jerusalem Cherry
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Solanine-like alkaloids
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Hypersalivation, gastrointestinal upset, depression
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
