Dracaena (corn plant)

Toxic

Verdict

Toxic — saponins cause drooling and vomiting.

Toxic principle: saponins
Also called: corn plant, dragon tree, dracaena fragrans
Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-08-13

If your cat ate this

Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.

  1. 1. Call your veterinarian immediately
  2. US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
  3. US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
  4. GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
  5. AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
  6. NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
  7. CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

Dracaena fragrans and related “corn plants” / dragon trees are ASPCA-listed toxic plants. Cats chew the long leaves. Signs are gastrointestinal, not lily-type kidney failure. The name “corn plant” does not mean it is food.

Symptoms to watch for

  • vomiting
  • drooling
  • depression

What to do

Call a vet if vomiting persists. A parlor palm is a safer tall indoor plant.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 aspca.org