Jonquil
Narcissus jonquilla · Amaryllidaceae
How it looks
Jonquil is a type of narcissus with narrow, long, glossy leaves and small yellow trumpet-shaped flowers borne 2-6 to a stalk. Its flowers are smaller and more strongly scented than the common daffodil. It reaches about 10-16 in (25-40 cm) tall.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Jonquil (especially the bulb) 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 of Jonquil usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the lycorine and other alkaloids in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves or 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's appetite clearly drops, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Narcissus jonquilla
- Common name
- Jonquil
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the bulbs)
- Compounds
- Lycorine, Alkaloids
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
