PlantFunWild calla Toxic?
All plant parts, especially leaves and berries, are toxic due to calcium oxalate crystals and soluble oxalates
Exposure causes immediate oral/respiratory irritation, while high doses lead to organ damage and cardiac arrhythmia
The plant is extremely toxic to birds, classified as Severe toxicity for avian species
FAQ
Is Wild calla toxic to Humans?
Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding of the gums, gastrointestinal tract or uterus, breathing difficulty from pharyngeal edema, swallowing difficulty from laryngeal edema. High doses may cause cramps, ataxia, low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, and liver/kidney damage. (Moderate)
Is Wild calla toxic to Cats?
No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to cause similar oral irritation and systemic effects as seen in other mammals if ingested. (Unknown)
Is Wild calla toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to cause similar oral irritation and systemic effects as seen in other mammals if ingested. (Unknown)
Is Wild calla toxic to Horses?
No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to cause similar oral irritation and systemic effects as seen in other mammals if ingested. (Unknown)
Toxicity Details
Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding of the gums, gastrointestinal tract or uterus, breathing difficulty from pharyngeal edema, swallowing difficulty from laryngeal edema. High doses may cause cramps, ataxia, low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, and liver/kidney damage.
No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to cause similar oral irritation and systemic effects as seen in other mammals if ingested.
No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to cause similar oral irritation and systemic effects as seen in other mammals if ingested.
No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to cause similar oral irritation and systemic effects as seen in other mammals if ingested.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Rinse affected mucous membranes (mouth, eyes) thoroughly with cool, clean water immediately after exposure
- • Avoid inducing vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a medical or veterinary professional
- • Monitor for signs of throat swelling or breathing difficulty and seek urgent care if these occur
Contact Vet Immediately
- • If the exposed animal shows signs of breathing difficulty, throat swelling, or unusual bleeding
- • If the animal ingested a large quantity of leaves or berries, or exhibits seizures, uncoordinated movement, or abnormal heart rate
- • If persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy develops after exposure
Prevention
- • Keep this plant out of reach of children, pets, and livestock, especially birds which are at extreme risk of fatal toxicity
- • Learn to distinguish Calla palustris from its highly toxic lookalike Arum maculatum to avoid accidental exposure
- • Never consume any part of this plant, as even small amounts can cause painful irritation and potential systemic harm
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform decontamination via administration of activated charcoal for recent ingestion with no contraindications
- • Administer analgesics for pain control, antihistamines for mild swelling, or glucocorticoids for severe respiratory tract edema
- • Provide calcium supplementation for cases of large ingestion, along with supportive care to address organ damage, arrhythmia, or bleeding
Professional Toxicology
• Needle-shaped calcium oxalate raphides penetrate mucous membranes causing immediate irritation, swelling and pain
• Soluble oxalates bind to calcium in the body, leading to hypocalcemia, kidney and liver damage in high doses
• Oxalate exposure causes vascular damage leading to bleeding in multiple organ systems
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.