Jack-in-the-pulpit

Yes, Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is toxic to cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate mechanical irritation to the mouth, tongue, and lips upon chewing, along with excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Onset is immediate — within minutes of chewing you may see violent pawing at the face, excessive drooling or foaming, vocalizing from pain, vomiting, and refusal to eat. Less commonly, swelling in the mouth or throat can develop within minutes and may interfere with breathing, which is an emergency.

Rinse your cat's mouth with lukewarm water or offer a small amount of milk to help wash out and bind the irritant crystals, and wipe any plant pieces from the gums with a soft cloth. Do not try to induce vomiting at home. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away — anti-inflammatories or pain relief may be needed.

The entire plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause immediate mechanical irritation the moment a cat chews any part of it. The crystals act physically — puncturing soft tissue in the mouth and GI tract — rather than through a chemical poison, which is why symptoms begin within minutes of contact.

Yes, Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is toxic to dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing upon chewing or ingestion.

Symptoms begin within minutes of chewing — dogs typically show heavy drooling and foaming, pawing at the muzzle, head shaking, vomiting, and refusal to eat. Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat can develop rapidly. Oral pain usually eases within a few hours; GI signs typically resolve in 12–24 hours with supportive care. Airway swelling is rare but constitutes a true emergency.

Rinse your dog's mouth with cool, fresh water and remove any plant fragments from the gums or tongue. Offering a small amount of milk may help bind the irritant crystals. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Call (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian for triage guidance.

All parts of Jack-in-the-pulpit contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals — the needle-like crystals are present throughout the plant, including the leaves, roots, and the distinctive hooded spathe. Chewing any part releases the crystals directly into the mouth and throat tissue, causing immediate, intense irritation.