Pet safety
Is Cusick's Camastoxic to cats & dogs?
Camassia cusickii
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Camassia cusickii
Is cusick's camas safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — cusick's camas is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Camassia cusickii is not listed individually on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The bulbs have a long history of use as human food by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, and the plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ASPCA verification for this specific species in cats and dogs is absent, and C. cusickii is sometimes cited as potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Out of caution, classify as mildly toxic — consult a vet if a cat or dog ingests any part, particularly the bulb. Caution: Camassia can be confused in the field with death camas (Anticlea, formerly Zigadenus), which is highly toxic; only cultivate known, correctly identified stock.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats cusick's camas?
Camassia cusickii is not listed individually on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The bulbs have a long history of use as human food by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, and the plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ASPCA verification for this specific species in cats and dogs is absent, and C. cusickii is sometimes cited as potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Out of caution, classify as mildly toxic — consult a vet if a cat or dog ingests any part, particularly the bulb. Caution: Camassia can be confused in the field with death camas (Anticlea, formerly Zigadenus), which is highly toxic; only cultivate known, correctly identified stock. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to cusick's camas, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate cusick's camas
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move cusick's camas out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of cusick's camas to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to cusick's camas
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Cusick's Camas and pets — frequently asked questions
Is cusick's camas toxic to cats?
Cusick's Camas (Camassia cusickii) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Camassia cusickii is not listed individually on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The bulbs have a long history of use as human food by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, and the plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ASPCA verification for this specific species in cats and dogs is absent, and C. cusickii is sometimes cited as potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Out of caution, classify as mildly toxic — consult a vet if a cat or dog ingests any part, particularly the bulb. Caution: Camassia can be confused in the field with death camas (Anticlea, formerly Zigadenus), which is highly toxic; only cultivate known, correctly identified stock. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is cusick's camas toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Cusick's Camas (Camassia cusickii) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like cusick's camas is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats cusick's camas?
Camassia cusickii is not listed individually on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The bulbs have a long history of use as human food by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, and the plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ASPCA verification for this specific species in cats and dogs is absent, and C. cusickii is sometimes cited as potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Out of caution, classify as mildly toxic — consult a vet if a cat or dog ingests any part, particularly the bulb. Caution: Camassia can be confused in the field with death camas (Anticlea, formerly Zigadenus), which is highly toxic; only cultivate known, correctly identified stock. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to cusick's camas, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate cusick's camas?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of cusick's camas to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to cusick's camas?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full cusick's camas care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete cusick's camas care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.