Wild Calla Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,950 found this helpful

Arum palestinum

Arum palestinum is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA data

Its primary toxic compound is insoluble calcium oxalates that cause immediate irritation on contact

Exposure leads to mouth pain, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing

FAQ

Is Wild Calla toxic to Humans?

Oral burning and irritation, lip/tongue swelling, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing (Moderate)

Is Wild Calla toxic to Cats?

Intense mouth, tongue and lip irritation, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, difficulty swallowing (Moderate)

Is Wild Calla toxic to Dogs?

Oral burning and pain, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, reduced appetite (Moderate)

Is Wild Calla toxic to Horses?

Oral pain, excessive salivation, head shaking, difficulty swallowing, reduced feed intake (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Oral burning and irritation, lip/tongue swelling, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

Cats

Moderate

Intense mouth, tongue and lip irritation, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

Dogs

Moderate

Oral burning and pain, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, reduced appetite

Horses

Low

Oral pain, excessive salivation, head shaking, difficulty swallowing, reduced feed intake

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts (leaves, stems, roots, flowers, unripe fruits) are toxic, with highest concentrations in underground rhizomes

Exposure RouteIngestion is the most common exposure route; contact with broken plant tissue can also cause mild skin/mucous membrane irritation

Toxic CompoundsInsoluble calcium oxalates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the exposed individual's mouth immediately
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with cool clean water to reduce residual irritation
• Offer small sips of water or milk to dilute oxalate crystals if swallowing is unimpaired
• Monitor closely for signs of airway swelling or breathing difficulty

Contact Vet Immediately

• The exposed animal shows signs of breathing difficulty or severe throat swelling
• Vomiting is persistent, frequent, or contains blood
• The animal cannot swallow or refuses all water and food
• Symptoms persist for more than 2 hours after initial first aid

Prevention

• Keep Wild Calla plants out of reach of pets, livestock, and small children
• Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid skin irritation from broken tissue
• Remove wild Arum palestinum growth from pastures and pet-accessible yards

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care including pain management and fluid therapy to address dehydration from vomiting
• Administer antihistamines to reduce swelling if severe inflammatory reaction occurs
• Provide nutritional support if the animal cannot eat due to extended oral pain

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameArum palestinum

AliasesBlack Calla、Wild Arum、Solomon's Lily

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Oral mucosa, tongue, lips, throat, upper gastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals penetrate mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract on contact, causing immediate pain, irritation, and inflammation

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Moderate toxicity if ingested, causing oral irritation and reduced feed intake consistent with horse symptoms

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): High risk of severe oral and gastrointestinal irritation, potentially fatal if large quantities are consumed

Birds: Low to moderate toxicity, oral irritation and digestive upset reported if plant material is ingested

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Cultivated Calla Lily Zantedeschia aethiopica

Both have broad glossy arrow-shaped leaves and spathe flowers; key difference: Wild Calla is a Mediterranean wild species, while cultivated Calla Lily is a larger ornamental with uniformly colored white or colored blooms

Jack-in-the-Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum

Both are Araceae family members with hooded flower structures and calcium oxalate content; key difference: Jack-in-the-Pulpit has 3-parted leaves, while Wild Calla has single unsplit arrow-shaped leaves

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Related Toxic Plants

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia seguine

Moderate to High toxicity

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum wallisii

Moderate toxicity

Heartleaf Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum

Low to Moderate toxicity

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

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

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