Wisteria
Wisteria spp. · Fabaceae
How it looks
Wisteria is a legume-family vine bearing purple, pale-purple, or white butterfly-shaped flowers in long drooping clusters of about 8-20 in (20-50 cm). It is strongly scented, with feather-shaped compound leaves. The stems grow very thick and twine over arbors and fences.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Wisteria (especially the seeds and pods) contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression 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 Wisteria rarely leads to serious trouble, but its wisterin (a glycoside) and lectins 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
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Wisteria spp.
- Common name
- Wisteria
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the seeds, Pods)
- Compounds
- Wisterin, Glycosides), Lectins
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
