Belladonna Lily Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,509 found this helpful

All parts of Belladonna lily are toxic, with the highest concentration of harmful alkaloids found in the bulb

Ingestion causes gastrointestinal distress, cardiac arrhythmia, and neurological symptoms; contact dermatitis is documented in sensitive dogs

Prompt decontamination and symptomatic supportive care are required for confirmed exposure or symptom onset

FAQ

Is Belladonna Lily toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, cardiac arrhythmia, ataxia, cramps, tremors, bradycardia, hypotension; potential skin irritation in sensitive individuals (High)

Is Belladonna Lily toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmia, tremors, seizures, low heart rate, low blood pressure (expected alkaloid toxicity, no specific documented cases) (High)

Is Belladonna Lily toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, cardiac arrhythmia, ataxia, cramps, tremors, bradycardia, hypotension; documented contact dermatitis with redness, papules, pustules, hair loss and skin thickening (High)

Is Belladonna Lily toxic to Horses?

Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, cardiac arrhythmia, ataxia, tremors, bradycardia, hypotension (expected alkaloid toxicity, no specific documented cases) (High)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

High

Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, cardiac arrhythmia, ataxia, cramps, tremors, bradycardia, hypotension; potential skin irritation in sensitive individuals

Cats

High

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmia, tremors, seizures, low heart rate, low blood pressure (expected alkaloid toxicity, no specific documented cases)

Dogs

High

Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, cardiac arrhythmia, ataxia, cramps, tremors, bradycardia, hypotension; documented contact dermatitis with redness, papules, pustules, hair loss and skin thickening

Horses

High

Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, cardiac arrhythmia, ataxia, tremors, bradycardia, hypotension (expected alkaloid toxicity, no specific documented cases)

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll parts of the plant, particularly the bulb

Exposure Route['Ingestion of plant or bulb material', 'Skin contact with plant sap in sensitive individuals/animals']

Toxic CompoundsLycorine; Tazzettine; Haemanthamine; Hippeastrine; Galanthamine; Montanine; Hippacine; Pancracine; Narciclasine

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting only if the exposed individual is conscious and alert, within 10 minutes of ingestion
• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove remaining plant residue
• Wash affected skin with soap and cool water immediately if contact irritation develops
• Collect remaining plant material for identification to support medical care

Contact Vet Immediately

• If ingestion of any part of the plant or bulb is confirmed
• If symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate, tremors or seizures develop
• If skin reactions persist more than 1 hour after washing the contact area
• If the exposed individual is lethargic, disoriented or has difficulty breathing

Prevention

• Keep Belladonna lily plants and bulbs out of reach of children, cats, dogs and horses
• Wear protective gloves when handling the plant, especially when working with bulbs
• Label potted Belladonna lilies clearly to avoid confusion with non-toxic edible bulbs
• Do not use plant clippings as animal feed or for compost accessible to pets/livestock

Treatment & Prognosis

• Decontamination via induced vomiting and activated charcoal administration for recent ingestion
• Symptomatic care including fluid therapy for dehydration caused by vomiting/diarrhea
• Atropine administration to treat clinical bradycardia (low heart rate)
• Topical and anti-inflammatory care for contact dermatitis reactions
• Cardiac and neurological supportive care as needed for severe symptoms

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAmaryllis belladonna L.

AliasesEaster lily、Jersey lily、Echte Amaryllis (German)、Amaryllis belladonne (French)、Amarillide d'estate (Italian)

Toxicity Grade

HumansHigh

CatsHigh

DogsHigh

HorsesHigh

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractHeartNervous systemSkin

Mechanism of Action

• Toxic alkaloids interfere with neurological signaling, gastrointestinal function and cardiac electrical rhythm

• Alkaloid exposure can trigger allergic inflammatory responses in skin on direct contact

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Dog: Ingestion causes gastrointestinal, cardiac and neurological symptoms; documented cases of contact dermatitis with redness, papules, pustules, hair loss and skin thickening after exposure

Cat: No specific documented cases, but Amaryllidaceae alkaloids are expected to cause severe gastrointestinal, cardiac and neurological toxicity if ingested

Horse: No specific documented cases, but ingestion is expected to cause severe colic, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmia and neurological impairment

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Hippeastrum hybrids (Common houseplant amaryllis / Knight's stars) Hippeastrum spp. hybrids

Visually highly similar in flower and bulb appearance; key difference is Amaryllis belladonna produces flowers before leaves, while most Hippeastrum hybrids produce leaves and flowers concurrently. Both are highly toxic.

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Related Toxic Plants

Common daffodil

Narcissus pseudonarcissus

Moderate to High (Toxic to highly toxic)

Common snowdrop

Galanthus nivalis

Moderate (Toxic)

Crinum lily

Crinum asiaticum

High (Highly toxic)

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.