Is Hollow Joe Pye Weed toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hollow joe pye weed as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Eutrochium (Joe Pye weed) is not clearly listed on the ASPCA's individual toxic-plant list and ASPCA guidance on it has been inconsistent (alternately described as non-toxic and as best kept away from pets). Because the status is ambiguous, treat it as uncertain rather than confirmed pet-safe; prevent ingestion and check with a vet if a pet eats it.

Eutrochium (Joe Pye weed) is not clearly listed on the ASPCA's individual toxic-plant list and ASPCA guidance on it has been inconsistent (alternately described as non-toxic and as best kept away from pets). Because the status is ambiguous, treat it as uncertain rather than confirmed pet-safe; prevent ingestion and check with a vet if a pet eats 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 hollow joe pye weed.

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: Hollow Joe Pye Weed is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full hollow joe pye weed 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.