Lemon Verbena
Aloysia triphylla · Verbenaceae
How it looks
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) is a shrub-to-herb with narrow, long oval leaves set opposite one another; rubbing the leaves releases a strong lemon scent. Small white to pale-purple flowers gather in spike-like clusters at the branch tips. Height 3-10 ft (1-3 m); grown outdoors and in pots.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Lemon Verbena contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and lethargy 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 Lemon Verbena usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the unidentified compounds 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
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, lethargy
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Aloysia triphylla
- Common name
- Lemon Verbena
- Family
- Verbenaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Unknown
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, lethargy
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
