Common Snowdrop Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 3,740 found this helpful

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

Typical ingestion symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pupil constriction; very large doses may cause paralysis or collapse

The core toxic alkaloid lycorine is heat-stable, so cooking does not eliminate poisoning risk

FAQ

Is Common Snowdrop toxic to Humans?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pupil constriction (miosis); isolated cases may present with fever and excessive salivation. Very large ingestion can cause paralysis and cardiovascular collapse (Moderate)

Is Common Snowdrop toxic to Cats?

No species-specific toxicity data available; ingestion is expected to cause similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms to those observed in humans (Low)

Is Common Snowdrop toxic to Dogs?

No species-specific toxicity data available; ingestion is expected to cause similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms to those observed in humans (Low)

Is Common Snowdrop toxic to Horses?

No species-specific toxicity data available; ingestion is expected to cause similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms to those observed in humans (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pupil constriction (miosis); isolated cases may present with fever and excessive salivation. Very large ingestion can cause paralysis and cardiovascular collapse

Cats

Low

No species-specific toxicity data available; ingestion is expected to cause similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms to those observed in humans

Dogs

Low

No species-specific toxicity data available; ingestion is expected to cause similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms to those observed in humans

Horses

Low

No species-specific toxicity data available; ingestion is expected to cause similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms to those observed in humans

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll parts of the plant, with highest toxin concentrations present in the bulb

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion of plant foliage or bulbs; skin contact with fresh sap may cause mild localized irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsGalanthamine; Lycorine; Tazettine; Magnarcin; Nartazine

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingested, rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove remaining plant material
• Induce vomiting only if the patient is fully conscious and ingestion occurred within the past 10 minutes
• Collect any remaining plant parts for accurate identification to guide follow-up treatment

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet has ingested any amount of snowdrop foliage or bulbs
• If your pet develops vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, or lethargy after potential exposure
• If you suspect your pet ate an unknown spring bulb while outdoors

Prevention

• Keep snowdrop plants and bulbs out of reach of children, pets, and livestock
• Clearly label snowdrop bulbs during planting to avoid confusion with edible bulbs like garlic or onions
• Supervise young children and pets in areas where snowdrops are planted

Treatment & Prognosis

• Decontamination via induced vomiting or activated charcoal administration to reduce toxin absorption
• Symptomatic care including fluid therapy to address dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea
• Close monitoring of neurological and cardiovascular function in cases of large-dose ingestion, with supportive care for paralysis or hypotension if present

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameGalanthus nivalis L.

AliasesKleines Schneeglöckchen、Gewöhnliches Schneeglöckchen、Perce-neige、Goutte de lait、Clochette d'hiver、Galanthine、Galanthe des neiges、Bucaneve、Foraneve

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractNervous systemCardiovascular system

Mechanism of Action

• Toxic alkaloids including lycorine irritate gastrointestinal mucosa, triggering vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain

• Alkaloids act on the central and peripheral nervous system, causing pupil constriction, excessive salivation, and in high doses, motor paralysis and cardiovascular collapse

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): Ingestion of bulbs or large amounts of foliage may cause gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms; large-dose ingestion can lead to fatal collapse

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Small body size makes even small ingestions high-risk, with elevated chance of severe dehydration and neurological complications

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Spring Snowflake Leucojum vernum

Both are small white early-spring flowering bulbs in the Amaryllidaceae family. Snowdrops have one small bell flower per stem, while spring snowflakes have larger flowers with green spots on all 6 petals; both are toxic

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Daffodil

Narcissus pseudonarcissus

Summer Snowflake

Leucojum aestivum

Moderately 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.