Does anyone know if night-blooming jasmine is toxic to cats and dogs? A good friend just gave me a potted cutting, and I'd love to grow it for the fragrance; but of course it's not hardy here (zone 7), and I can't bring it indoors in winter if it's toxic to the animal friends. Any help will be much appreciated, and thanks-
Ruth
Night-blooming jasmine question
Sorry, it is poisonous. I don't know how much of it they'd have to eat in order to have problems, and many times poisonous plants don't taste very good, so I don't know how likely it is that they'd try to eat it or eat enough to cause harm. But if they love to nibble on all your other houseplants then there's probably no sense taking a chance.
I overwinter mine in a cat-free room, a room in my basement with a screen door and 240 watts of fluourescent lights.
-Joe
Thanks much, ecrane; I was afraid that would be the case, and am glad I asked. Joegee, that sounds like a great solution; but unfortunately, our cat-free rooms have dogs, and vice versa; we have one dog we don't trust unsupervised with the cats, so they're separated at all times. I suppose I could spray with Ropel or the like, but I'd never forgive myself if they ate it anyway. Better to just pass on the plant to an animal-free household.
Really appreciate the help-
Ruth
What species are you talking about?
By "Night Blooming Jasmine" do you mean Cestrum nocturnum?
Some other species?
Hi, Metrosideros. I wish I could tell you; I'm assuming it's Cestrum nocturnum, but the friend who gave me the rooted cutting doesn't do Latin names, unfortunately. She just called it jasmine, said it blooms at night and smells wonderful. The leaves look like C. nocturnum, as best I can tell from looking at photos in Plant ID search. Since she handed me the pot as I was leaving, I didn't get to take a look at the parent plant, so can't tell you adult size etc. Sorry; needless to say, not the way I prefer to describe plants.
Ruth
Hi Ruth, Cestrum nocturnum is quite toxic if ingested.
Better to get plants such as Gardenia for good scent; or a true Jasmine such as Jasminum sambac 'Grand Duke of Tuscany'.
Thanks, Metrosideros; I've pretty much concluded that I need to pass the plant on to someone without animals - or at least animals who'll feel compelled to nibble. There are many other wonderfully fragrant plants that don't need to be overwintered indoors, and that aren't toxic to the animals.
Ruth
Hey Ruth, if it is that plant, it is good to get rid of! The white berries look like candy, and are a major concern in unintentional child poisoning.
Nice to have sweet smelling plants, but it's good to have species that you don't have to worry about getting close to!
Aloha, Dave
Thanks again, Dave. No kids here, and I assume the wildlife would instinctively avoid toxic plants, but that still leaves the insurmountable winter issue. Sounds like the only real choice is to rehome the plant, and I have no problem with that-
Ruth