Madagascar Dragon Tree
Dracaena marginata · Asparagaceae
How it looks
Dracaena marginata (Madagascar Dragon Tree) is a foliage plant whose narrow, fine, sword-shaped leaves cluster at the branch tips like a fountain. It is distinguished by the fine red margin lining the leaf edges, and it has slender, branching stems. It grows 20 in to 7 ft (50 cm-2 m) tall.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Madagascar Dragon Tree contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, depression, 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 of Madagascar Dragon Tree usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the saponins 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, depression, diarrhea
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Dracaena marginata
- Common name
- Madagascar Dragon Tree
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Saponins
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, depression, diarrhea
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
