Is Missouri Ironweed toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists missouri ironweed 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. Vernonia species are not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Ironweed contains bitter sesquiterpene lactones which deter grazing animals but are not considered acutely toxic to cats or dogs; classified mildly-toxic in the absence of a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing.

Vernonia species are not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Ironweed contains bitter sesquiterpene lactones which deter grazing animals but are not considered acutely toxic to cats or dogs; classified mildly-toxic in the absence of a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing. 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 missouri ironweed.

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: Missouri Ironweed is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full missouri ironweed 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.