The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center recently issued a warning that Brunfelsia, a common garden plant, (also known as “Morning, Noon, and Night” or “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”) is poisonous.
This ornamental plant, which thrives in the gardens of warmer climates, or year-round in pots, has fragrant flowers that bloom in a vivid purple and gradually change to lavender before fading to white. Although dogs seem to be most prone to chomping on the plant, don’t rule out curious kitties. Felines aren’t immune to temptation. Pets that consume any part of the plant can become ill within hours and develop gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. Tremors, seizures and muscle rigidity resemble signs of ingesting the rodent poison, strychnine.
Brunfelsia toxicity can progress very rapidly to a potentially lethal situation, so it’s critical that pet owners seek immediate veterinary care. For a list of non-toxic plants, go to www.aspca.org/nontoxic.
Do you know of other common house and yard plants we should watch out for? Please share what you know by commenting below.
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