Pets and Plants

Pets & Plants Dracaena

By Phil Roudebush, DVM, DACVIM

Dracaena species, especially cause direct irritation of tissues red-marginated dracaena (D. they contact. marginata), are attractive, Clinical signs in both cats and stiff-leaved, evergreen plants with dogs include vomiting, occasionsword-like leaves. There are over a ally with blood, appetite loss, abhundred different species with most dominal pain, excessive drooling, native to Africa and southern Asia. weakness and dilated pupils (cats

Many species of Dracaena are only). These signs can begin within grown as low-maintenance house- thirty minutes of eating the plant. plants due to their tolerance of Treatment includes purging lower light, a wide range of indoor plant material from the body, rinstemperatures and sparse watering. ing the mouth vigorously with water Other common names include corn and symptomatic or supportive care. plant, cornstalk plant, ribbon plant, Prognosis is good beyond the obviSpanish dagger and (Madagascar) ous gastrointestinal discomfort. dragon tree. Enjoy these distinctive house-

These plants can be potentially plants but be especially careful if poisonous to both dogs and cats, there are cats in the household. although cats seem to prefer chewing on the leaves. In a recent review Phil Roudebush is a retired veterinarian and of poisonous events involving dogs specialist in small animal internal medicine. and cats in the United States, inges- He was an Extension Master Gardener in tion of plant material from dracae- Shawnee County, Kansas before moving na specimens was the second most to western North Carolina five years ago, common plant poisoning in cats. where he is an Extension Master Gardener

The toxic chemicals in the in Buncombe County. He can be reached at leaves are called saponins and they philroudebush@gmail.com. The tradition continues as FNBO, Westlake Ace Hardware, and Sarin Energy Solutions present the 21st Annual Luminary Walk

Kick-off the holiday season with a family walk through the lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

During the three weekends following Thanksgiving, take a stroll along the lit pathways to see intricate Gnome and Fairy Villages, serene winter woods by candlelight, and the colorful Children’s Garden. Enjoy musical performances in four different locations and a horse-drawn wagon ride through the forest, while the quiet woods are lit with candles lining the walkways. The gardens are bright with color. Trees, buildings, and bridges are all part of the show, with thousands of lights aglow.

For a quieter “Date Night” experience, a Candlelight Stroll will be held Thursday, December 3rd.

The Luminary Walk is the major fundraiser for the Friends of the Arboretum (FOTA). All proceeds benefit the Arboretum.

For the Safety of All • All tickets are date and time-specific. • The number of tickets sold for entry within half-hour timeframes is limited, allowing for social distancing between families. • Expanded operating hours - 4:30 to 10:00 p.m. (1½ hours longer than previous years). • To keep Santa safe, he will not be with us this year. • The visitor center will not be open for refreshments. • To operate with fewer volunteers, trains in the train garden will not be running, and portions of the candlelit path will be switched to electric lights.

To protect all guests, as well as our volunteers, masks are required.

Schedule 4:30 – 10:00 each night (Last admittance is 9:00.) Friday, November 27, 2020 Saturday, November 28, 2020 Friday, December 4, 2020 Saturday, December 5, 2020 Friday, December 11, 2020 Saturday, December 12, 2020

$14.00 per person; free for age 5 and under $2.00 discount for members of Friends of the Arboretum when purchased online with promo code. Free Parking No Pets

Ticket purchase, refund and exchange policy, and cancellation due to weather details are found at https://artsandrec-op.org/arboretum/ luminary-walk/. Also found here is further information on the Candlelight Stroll on Thursday, December 3rd.

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 8909 W. 179th St. Overland Park KS 66013