Are Lilies Poisonous?

Are Lilies Poisonous?

Lilies are popular in gardens, bouquets, Easter arrangements, and cut flower displays. The problem is that the word “lily” is used for many different plants. Some are true lilies in the Lilium genus. Some are daylilies in the Hemerocallis genus. Others, like peace lily, calla lily, lily of the valley, and Peruvian lily, are completely different plants with different toxicity risks.

This guide explains which lilies are most dangerous, what symptoms to watch for, and how to keep children, cats, dogs, horses, and other animals safe.

The Quick Answer

Which Lilies Are The Most Dangerous?

The most dangerous lilies for cats are true lilies and daylilies. These include many of the lilies commonly sold as garden plants, Easter flowers, and florist bouquets.

Which Parts Of A Lily Are Poisonous?

For true lilies and daylilies, every part of the plant should be treated as dangerous to cats. This includes:

• Leaves
• Flowers and petals
• Pollen
• Stems
• Bulbs
• Roots
• Water from a vase holding lilies

Cats do not need to eat a large amount to be at risk. A cat may be exposed by biting a leaf, licking pollen off its fur, chewing a flower petal, or drinking water from a lily vase.

Other plants with “lily” in the name may have different toxic components. For example, all parts of lily of the valley contain compounds that affect the heart, while peace lilies and calla lilies contain irritating crystals that can cause mouth pain, drooling, and stomach upset.

Are Lilies Poisonous To Cats?

Yes. Lilies are one of the most dangerous common plants for cats. True lilies from the Lilium genus and daylilies from the Hemerocallis genus can cause acute kidney failure in cats.

This includes popular lilies such as Easter lilies, Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies, tiger lilies, Japanese show lilies, stargazer lilies, and daylilies. If you are not sure what kind of lily you have, assume it is unsafe for cats until a veterinarian or plant expert confirms otherwise.

Signs of lily poisoning in cats

Early symptoms may show up quickly, but serious kidney damage can develop later. Watch for:

• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or hiding
• Increased thirst or urination
• Dehydration
• Weakness
• Kidney failure, seizures, coma, or death in severe cases

Are Lilies Poisonous To Dogs?

Some lilies are poisonous to dogs, but the risk depends on the plant. True lilies and daylilies are usually much more dangerous to cats than dogs. Dogs that chew on true lilies may have stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea, but they do not typically develop the same severe kidney failure seen in cats.

However, some plants with “lily” in the name can be very dangerous to dogs. Lily of the valley can affect the heart. Gloriosa lily can cause severe poisoning. Peace lilies and calla lilies can irritate the mouth and throat and may cause drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.

If your dog ate any plant called a lily, contact your veterinarian with the plant name or a photo. It is better to confirm the risk quickly than to wait and see.

Signs of lily-related poisoning in dogs

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth irritation
• Weakness or lethargy
• Abnormal heart rhythm with certain toxic “lilies”
• Collapse or seizures in severe cases

Are Lilies Poisonous To Children?

Some lilies can be poisonous or irritating to children if eaten. Toddlers are at higher risk because they may put flowers, leaves, bulbs, berries, or vase water in their mouths.

Symptoms in children can vary depending on the plant. Some exposures may cause mild stomach upset, while other “lilies,” such as lily of the valley or gloriosa lily, can cause more serious poisoning.

If a child ate part of a lily or drank water from a vase containing lilies, call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222. If possible, take a photo of the plant or save a small sample in a sealed bag to help with identification.

Possible symptoms in children

• Mouth irritation
• Drooling
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness or weakness
• Heart-related symptoms with certain toxic plants

Are Lilies Poisonous To Horses And Livestock?

Some lilies and lily-like plants can be dangerous to horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and other grazing animals. True lilies are not usually common pasture plants, but animals may still be exposed if garden waste, bouquets, or landscape trimmings are dumped near a pasture or barn.

Plants with “lily” in the name can vary widely in toxicity. Lily of the valley and gloriosa lily are especially concerning. If livestock eat any plant identified as a lily, call a veterinarian for guidance.

How to reduce risk around pastures

• Do not toss lily bouquets, bulbs, leaves, or flowers into pastures.
• Keep garden clippings away from horses, goats, sheep, cattle, and chickens.
• Avoid planting toxic lily-like plants along fence lines.
• Clean up storm damage or pruning debris quickly.
• Call a veterinarian if an animal eats an unknown lily or lily-like plant.

What Should You Do If A Lily Was Eaten?

How To Tell If A Lily Is A True Lily

True lilies are in the Lilium genus. They often grow from bulbs and have tall, upright stems with leaves arranged along the stem. The flowers are usually large, showy, and trumpet-shaped or bowl-shaped.

Daylilies are in the Hemerocallis genus. They usually have grassy, arching foliage and flowers that last for only one day. Even though daylilies are not true lilies, they are still dangerous to cats.

Are Cut Lilies In Bouquets Dangerous?

Yes, cut lilies can be dangerous, especially for cats. Bouquets are one of the most common ways cats are exposed to lilies indoors. A cat can brush against pollen, chew a leaf, lick pollen from its fur, or drink from the vase.

Removing the pollen-covered anthers may reduce staining and pollen exposure, but it does not make the lily safe. The leaves, petals, stem, and vase water can still be dangerous to cats.

If you live with cats, choose lily-free bouquets. Make sure friends and family know not to send Easter lilies, stargazer lilies, tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies, or daylilies to your home.

Can You Safely Grow Lilies With Pets?

If you have cats, the safest choice is to avoid true lilies and daylilies inside the home and in any outdoor space your cat can access. Outdoor cats can still chew plants or brush against pollen, so place garden plants carefully.

If you only have dogs, lilies may still require caution because not all plants called lilies have the same toxicity. Some can cause mild stomach upset, while others can be much more serious.

Safer planting and decorating tips

• Do not keep true lilies or daylilies indoors if you have cats.
• Check bouquets before bringing them into the house.
• Keep vase water away from pets.
• Clean up fallen petals, leaves, pollen, and spent flowers.
• Do not compost lily clippings where pets or livestock can access them.
• Choose pet-safe plants if your pets chew on greenery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lily Poisoning

Bottom Line

Lilies are not all the same, but many plants called lilies can be poisonous. True lilies and daylilies are especially dangerous to cats and can cause life-threatening kidney failure from very small exposures.

Dogs, children, horses, and other animals may also be at risk from certain lily-like plants, including lily of the valley, gloriosa lily, peace lily, and calla lily. Because common names can be confusing, treat any unknown lily as unsafe until it is identified.

If a person or animal may have eaten part of a lily, do not guess or wait. Call Poison Control, your veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control, or Pet Poison Helpline for immediate guidance.

Sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: “Lovely Lilies and Curious Cats: A Dangerous Combination”
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: “Which Lilies Are Toxic to Pets?”
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database

About The Author

Written by Chris Link

Chris Link is the co-owner of Plant Addicts and helps gardeners find the right plants for their yards, homes, and growing conditions. Plant Addicts has helped millions of gardeners shop for plants and learn how to care for them.

Originally published January 27, 2023. Last updated May 11, 2026.