Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Thursday - March 14, 2013
From: Gresham, OR
Region: Northwest
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Is Cerinthe major toxic to cats in Gresham, OR
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Hi, I was wondering about whether a specific plant was poisonous or not specifically to cats.. I've done a lot of searching and can't find anything on whether or not this plant is considered toxic or not. The plant is called "Blue Honeywort" and is also known as "Blue Shrimp Plant" Pride of Gilbraltar" or "Blue Wax Flower". It doesn't seem to be a very well known plant. I would like to grow one of these indoors and would just like to know if it would be safe in case my cat decided to eat it. Thanks so much for your time!ANSWER:
As you indicated, the plant in question has several common names, but the scientific name is Cerinthe major var Purpurascens. It is native to the Mediterranean region, so it isn’t found in our Native Plant Database.
When we get questions about toxic plants, we consult several Toxic Plant Databases. I’ve included the links for future reference.
University of Arkansas
University of Illinois
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
University of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plants
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
I’ve looked through these and didn’t find Cerinthe major listed. This doesn’t guarantee that the plant is non-toxic, but it increases the probability that it is not toxic.
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Poisonous plant in Ohio with hydrangea-like flower
June 09, 2008 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I was sure that I had read that there is a poisonous bush that is native to Ohio that has flowers something like a white hydrangea..or was it queen ann's lace? I believe the ...
view the full question and answer
Does Helasia diptera absorb toxic substances from Dover Plains NY
March 09, 2012 - Dear Mr. Plants,
Halesia carolina is described as absorbing toxic substances: herbicides, pesticides and pollutants from water, air and soil. Does Halesia diptera do the same?
Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Want a vine, non-toxic to dogs, for Reno, NV.
September 11, 2012 - I want a non toxic (to dogs) vine for Reno, NV
view the full question and answer
Horse-friendly plants for Powell OH
September 24, 2010 - I am looking for horse friendly plants, i.e., shrubs, trees, bushes, etc. that can be planted in wet area in Ohio. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
view the full question and answer
Skin irritation caused by hydrangea in Monroe GA
July 06, 2009 - Can Queen Anne Lace hydrangea cause a skin irritation such as poison ivy or oak? I picked up a branch that had broken off to discard and the following day I have a place on my arm about six inches lon...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
