Ranger's Button
Sphenosciadium capitellatum · Apiaceae
How it looks
Ranger's Button is a carrot-family plant marked by feather-shaped lobed leaves and small white flowers gathered into round, button-like clusters. It grows 1–3 ft (30 cm–1 m) tall in mountains and meadows.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Ranger's Button contain irritating compounds that can cause 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 Ranger's Button rarely leads to serious trouble, but the furocoumarins and essential oils 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
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Photosensitization, vomiting
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Sphenosciadium capitellatum
- Common name
- Ranger's Button
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Furocoumarins, Essential oils
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Photosensitization, vomiting
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
