Known as: Azalea, Calfkill, Lambkill
Latin Name: Rhodedendron spp.
Description: Perennial shrub with tough, glossy, smooth-margined
evergreen leaves. The large, showy flowers are in terminal clusters and
have five white, pink, or red petals. Range of colors including:
white, pink, red, yellow, orange and mixture of these colors with white.
Potted plants often given as gifts.
Poisonous parts: All parts, especially leaves and nectar.
Toxin involved is the resinoid andromedotoxin.
Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, abdominal pain,
cramps, swelling around the mouth, or difficulty in breathing. May
cause tremors, heart and respiratory and/or kidney problems which are difficult
for an owner to detect. Stomach irritation, abdominal pain, abnormal heart
rate and rhythm, convulsions, coma, death.
Treatment: Unless your cat is unconscious or having convulsions,
induce vomiting and delay
absoprtion. Get immediate veterinary assistance.
Image courtesy of Brousseau California Flora Photos.