Is Crystal Palace lobelia toxic to cats?

Yes — crystal palace lobelia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Lobelia erinus, including 'Crystal Palace', contains piperidine alkaloids including lobeline and is regarded as toxic to cats, dogs and humans if ingested in meaningful quantities. L. erinus is not individually itemised on the ASPCA list, but the genus is well documented as toxic, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation and, at high doses, tremors and respiratory depression. Treat as toxic and contact a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if a pet ingests it.

Lobelia erinus, including 'Crystal Palace', contains piperidine alkaloids including lobeline and is regarded as toxic to cats, dogs and humans if ingested in meaningful quantities. L. erinus is not individually itemised on the ASPCA list, but the genus is well documented as toxic, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation and, at high doses, tremors and respiratory depression. Treat as toxic and contact a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if a pet ingests it. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to crystal palace lobelia.

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Crystal Palace lobelia is toxic to dogs as well. See the full crystal palace lobelia pet-safety guide for both species.

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.