Cardinal Flower

Yes, Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is potentially toxic to cats. It contains alkaloids, including lobeline, that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy if ingested.

The most common signs are drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more serious cases you may see depression, abdominal pain, pupil dilation, weakness, tremors, or an irregular or rapid heartbeat — the last group suggests a larger ingestion and needs urgent attention.

A small nibble can often be monitored at home, but call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 any time you see persistent drooling, repeated vomiting, lethargy, or any sign of heart irregularity. Chewed flowers, stems, or larger amounts warrant veterinary support rather than a wait-and-see approach.

Exact onset times are not well documented, but lobeline is an emetic, so vomiting tends to start soon after ingestion. If your cat has eaten any part of the plant and symptoms appear quickly, treat it as urgent and contact a vet or poison control promptly.

Yes, Cardinal Flower is potentially toxic to dogs. It contains lobeline and other alkaloids that irritate the digestive tract and can cause neurological and cardiac effects if ingested in significant amounts.

Drooling and vomiting typically appear within minutes to a few hours of chewing. You may also see diarrhea, abdominal pain, and depression. Larger ingestions can progress to weakness, incoordination, tremors, and heart-rhythm disturbances over hours to a few days.

Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth to stop further ingestion. Do not induce vomiting at home — call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 first; they may direct you to bring your dog in for activated charcoal, gastric lavage, or IV fluids.

Mild signs like drooling and vomiting can start within minutes to a few hours. Mild ingestions typically resolve within 24–48 hours with supportive care, but large ingestions — especially of seeds, leaves, or stems — can escalate to severe cardiac signs over hours to a few days; call your vet immediately if your dog ate a substantial amount rather than waiting for symptoms.