Tahitian Bridal Veil
Tradescantia multiflora · Commelinaceae
How it looks
Tahitian Bridal Veil is a vining plant with small oval leaves set opposite each other along slender stems and tiny white star-shaped flowers gathered at the branch tips. The stems and leaves carry a faint pink tint, and it is grown as a hanging plant; height 8-12 in (20-30 cm).
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Tahitian Bridal Veil 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 on Tahitian Bridal Veil rarely leads to serious trouble, but it contains compounds — not yet clearly identified — that 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
- Vomiting, lethargy
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Tradescantia multiflora
- Common name
- Tahitian Bridal Veil
- Family
- Commelinaceae
- 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
