Is Persicaria bistorta 'Superba' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists persicaria bistorta 'superba' 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. Persicaria bistorta is not individually listed by the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Although bistort is a traditional edible green for humans, ingestion may still cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets.

Persicaria bistorta is not individually listed by the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Although bistort is a traditional edible green for humans, ingestion may still cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. 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 persicaria bistorta 'superba'.

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: Persicaria bistorta 'Superba' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full persicaria bistorta 'superba' 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.