Is Mock azalea poisonous to dogs or cats?

Mock azalea

  • Scientific Name: Menziesia ferruginea
  • Also Known As: Mock azalea, rusty leaf
  • Is It Toxic? Yes
  • Toxins: Grayanotoxin I (cardioactive diterpenoid); ledol, palustrol (sesquiterpene alcohols) found in essential oil
  • Symptoms: Hypersalivation, excitation, vomiting, miosis, diarrhea, bradycardia, severe hypotension, conduction disturbances, weakness, ataxia, paralysis, coma, occasional seizures. Induced emesis contraindicated because of vagal effects
  • Toxic Parts:
  • General:

Mock azalea (Menziesia ferruginea) is a plant that is poisonous when ingested by dogs and cats. The toxin in this plant is grayanotoxin I, which causes hypersalivation, diarrhea, vomiting, miosis, seizures, and cardiac disturbance. If you have found mock azalea in your yard, or if your pet might have ingested this plant, please seek veterinary medical care immediately.

What is Mock azalea?

Mock azalea (Menziesia ferruginea) is a perennial herb in the Ericaceae family. It is native to North America and is also found in Europe and Asia. Mock azalea often grows next to red cedar trees (Thuja plicata), which helps it absorb moisture and nutrients. The leaves are evergreen and 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) long. The flowers of Mock azalea are blue and 6-15 cm (2.4-6 in) in diameter. The fruit is a dry capsule.