Skunk Cabbage
Symplocarpus foetidus · Araceae
How it looks
Skunk Cabbage is a highly distinctive plant in which, in early spring, a rod-shaped flower stalk rises inside a purple, hood-shaped spathe. After flowering, large rounded leaves (12-24 in / 30-60 cm wide) grow in a cluster. Rubbing the leaves releases a strong skunk-like odor.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Skunk Cabbage contain irritating compounds that can cause drooling and 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 Skunk Cabbage rarely leads to serious trouble, but its insoluble calcium oxalate crystals 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
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Symplocarpus foetidus
- Common name
- Skunk Cabbage
- Family
- Araceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
