The American Mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum), also known as Mayapple, Indian Apple Root, Umbrella Leaf, Wild Lemon, Hog Apple, Duck’s Foot, or Raccoonberry, is a highly toxic plant to cats. While not typically associated with allergies, all parts of this herbaceous perennial, except the ripe fruit, contain the poisonous compound podophyllin.
American Mandrake is commonly found in woodlands, pastures, and along fences in eastern North America.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If a cat ingests any part of the American Mandrake plant, it may experience various symptoms due to the toxic compound podophyllin. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount consumed, but common signs of American Mandrake poisoning in cats include:
If you suspect your cat has ingested American Mandrake, seek immediate veterinary care. Your veterinarian will likely perform the following steps to diagnose and treat your cat:
A: Cats are not allergic to American Mandrake, but the plant is highly toxic to them. All parts of the plant, except the ripe fruit, contain the poisonous compound podophyllin.
A: Symptoms of American Mandrake poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, panting, and in severe cases, coma. Dermal exposure can cause redness and skin ulcers.
A: All parts of the American Mandrake plant are toxic to cats, except for the ripe fruit. The plant contains podophyllin, a toxic compound.
A: If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of the American Mandrake plant, seek immediate veterinary care. The veterinarian may induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, and provide supportive care such as IV fluids.
A: Yes, there are many pet-safe plants that cat owners can keep instead of American Mandrake. Some options include spider plants, Boston ferns, and catnip. Always research a plant’s safety before bringing it into a home with cats.
A: American Mandrake is commonly found in woodlands, pastures, and along fences in eastern North America. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that typically blooms in May and produces a single, apple-like fruit.
American Mandrake has a long history of use by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes, including as a purgative, emetic, and treatment for syphilis. The plant’s common name, Mayapple, comes from the fact that it typically blooms in May and produces a single, apple-like fruit.
However, the plant should not be confused with the unrelated European mandrake (Mandragora officinarum), which has its own rich history of medicinal and magical uses. Today, an extract of American Mandrake is used in the treatment of warts due to the presence of the compound podophyllotoxin in its roots and rhizomes
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
