Lady's-slipper orchid Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 4,407 found this helpful

Cypripedium calceolus L.

No potential toxicity references found in existing studies, the plant is presumed non-toxic to humans and common domestic animals.

All parts of the plant are not suitable for use as animal feed, even though no confirmed poisoning cases have been reported.

There is a risk of confusion with other Cypripedium and Paphiopedilum species, some of which may have unstudied toxicity profiles.

FAQ

Is Lady's-slipper orchid toxic to Humans?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms have been reported in existing research (Non-toxic)

Is Lady's-slipper orchid toxic to Cats?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms have been reported in existing research (Non-toxic)

Is Lady's-slipper orchid toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms have been reported in existing research (Non-toxic)

Is Lady's-slipper orchid toxic to Horses?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms have been reported in existing research (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning symptoms have been reported in existing research

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning symptoms have been reported in existing research

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning symptoms have been reported in existing research

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning symptoms have been reported in existing research

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts identified to date, but all plant parts are unsuitable for use as animal feed

Exposure RouteOral ingestion is the only confirmed potential exposure route

Toxic Compounds

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water immediately if accidental ingestion occurs
• Monitor the exposed person/animal for 24 hours for any abnormal reactions
• Do not induce vomiting unless advised by a medical professional or veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the ingesting animal shows abnormal symptoms like lethargy, vomiting or loss of appetite
• If the animal has a history of allergy to orchid family plants
• If a large quantity of the plant has been ingested by a small-sized pet

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of young children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion
• Never use this plant as a component of forage for any livestock or domestic animals
• Learn to distinguish this plant from visually similar related species to avoid misidentification

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care based on specific symptoms if adverse reactions occur
• Consult a licensed medical professional or veterinarian for targeted treatment guidance

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCypripedium calceolus L.

AliasesYellow lady's slipper、European lady's slipper、Venus' slipper、Madonna's slipper、Our Lady's slipper

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

Mechanism of Action

• No specific toxicity mechanism has been identified as the plant shows no confirmed toxicity

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No confirmed poisoning cases reported, but intentional feeding as forage is strictly not recommended

Small companion rodents (hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs): No toxicity data available, avoid allowing access to the plant to prevent unforeseen adverse reactions

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other lady's slipper orchid species Cypripedium spp.

Visually similar slipper-shaped flower lip, key differences include petal color and native range; some species have unstudied toxicity profiles

Slipper orchid species Paphiopedilum spp.

Nearly identical flower morphology, key differences lie in leaf shape and growing environment; many species have unconfirmed toxicity

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Related Toxic Plants

Small yellow lady's slipper

Cypripedium parviflorum

Low toxicity, may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals

Showy lady's slipper

Cypripedium reginae

Low toxicity, may trigger mild allergic reactions upon skin contact

Tiger slipper orchid

Paphiopedilum tigrinum

Unconfirmed low toxicity, potentially harmful to grazing animals if ingested in large quantities

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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.

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