Symplocarpus foetidus

Symplocarpus foetidus is toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The reported severity is mild. Also known as Eastern Skunk Cabbage and Japanese Skunk Cabbage.

dogs cats horses

Mild Moderate Severe Critical

If your animal ate this plant, call your veterinarian now, or one of these services.

What do I do right now?

Australia
Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 24 hours, every day · From $75
Austria
Vergiftungsinformationszentrale 01 406 43 43 24 hours, every day
Belgium
Centre Antipoisons 070 245 245 08:00 to 22:00 on weekdays, 10:00 to 22:00 at weekends · Human calls come first. The centre has no funding for animal work.
Canada
Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 24 hours, every day · $89 for each incident
France
Centre National d'Informations Toxicologiques Vétérinaires 04 78 87 10 40 08:30 to midnight, every day
Germany
Giftinformationszentrum Bonn 0228 19240 24 hours, every day · Germany has no dedicated animal service. Human calls come first, so an animal call can wait.
Ireland
Ireland has no animal poison service for owners. Call your veterinarian. An Irish veterinarian can consult the Veterinary Poisons Information Service in the United Kingdom.
Italy
Centro Antiveleni di Milano 02 6610 1029 24 hours, every day
Netherlands
Nationaal Vergiftigingen Informatie Centrum 088 755 8000 Veterinarians only 24 hours, every day · Call your veterinarian. Your veterinarian calls this line.
New Zealand
Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 24 hours, every day
Sweden
Giftinformationscentralen stopped answering questions about animals on 1 July 2018. Call your veterinarian or an animal hospital.
Switzerland
Tox Info Suisse 145 24 hours, every day · From outside Switzerland, call +41 44 251 51 51.
United Kingdom
Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 24 hours, every day · £35 from 08:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday, £45 at other times
Veterinary Poisons Information Service 020 7305 5055 Veterinarians only 24 hours, every day · A members only service. Your veterinarian calls this line.
United States
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 24 hours, every day · A consultation fee applies
Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 24 hours, every day · $89 for each incident

Symptoms to watch for

Oral Irritation Drooling Vomiting Difficulty Swallowing

The color of each symptom follows the severity scale above.

About

Symplocarpus foetidus, commonly known as skunk cabbage or eastern skunk cabbage, is a low-growing plant that grows in wetlands and moist hill slopes of eastern North America. Bruised leaves present an odor reminiscent of skunk.

How this plant poisons

Since its roots are antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, and slightly narcotic, it is not recommended to consume the raw plant directly. While high quantities of the root can produce nausea and vomiting, headaches, and dizziness, handling the fresh leaves can burn skin. Other symptoms of poisoning include swelling of the lip, throat, and tongue. This is due to calcium oxalate crystals, which are moderately harmful to humans. It is possible to eliminate the toxicity with care, such as changing the water frequently when boiling the leaves, or thoroughly drying the plant.