PlantFunOrange daylily Toxic?
All parts of the orange daylily are severely toxic to cats, and even tiny ingestions can lead to fatal kidney failure.
Initial gastrointestinal symptoms fade after 2-6 hours, creating a false sense of recovery before life-threatening kidney damage develops.
Early aggressive intravenous fluid therapy given within 24 hours of ingestion is critical to prevent fatal outcomes in cats.
FAQ
Is Orange daylily toxic to Humans?
No confirmed human toxicity data available from the source; selected cultivars are consumed as food in some regions. (Non-toxic)
Is Orange daylily toxic to Cats?
Phase 1 (1-3 hours post-ingestion): Vomiting, excessive salivation, loss of appetite, lethargy. Gastrointestinal symptoms fade after 2-6 hours, falsely indicating recovery. Phase 2 (12-30 hours post-ingestion): Increased urination leading to dehydration; 24-48 hours post-ingestion, anuric (no urine output) kidney failure develops, causing renewed vomiting, seizures from severe uremia, and potential death without treatment. (Severe)
Is Orange daylily toxic to Dogs?
No confirmed toxicity data for dogs available from the source; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with large ingestions. (Low)
Is Orange daylily toxic to Horses?
No confirmed toxicity data for horses available from the source. (Low)
Toxicity Details
No confirmed human toxicity data available from the source; selected cultivars are consumed as food in some regions.
Phase 1 (1-3 hours post-ingestion): Vomiting, excessive salivation, loss of appetite, lethargy. Gastrointestinal symptoms fade after 2-6 hours, falsely indicating recovery. Phase 2 (12-30 hours post-ingestion): Increased urination leading to dehydration; 24-48 hours post-ingestion, anuric (no urine output) kidney failure develops, causing renewed vomiting, seizures from severe uremia, and potential death without treatment.
No confirmed toxicity data for dogs available from the source; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with large ingestions.
No confirmed toxicity data for horses available from the source.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Induce vomiting immediately if the cat ingested the plant within the past 2 hours and is fully conscious
- • Administer activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed toxic compounds in the digestive tract
- • Avoid unvetted home remedies, and prepare to transport the cat to a veterinary clinic immediately
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of any part of an orange daylily by a cat, even if no symptoms are present
- • The cat develops vomiting, excessive drooling, lethargy, or reduced appetite after possible exposure
- • The cat shows signs of increased urination, dehydration, or reduced/absent urine output post-exposure
Prevention
- • Keep all Hemerocallis (daylily) and Lilium (true lily) plants, cut flowers, and fallen petals completely out of reach of cats
- • Confirm the identity of any new houseplant or garden plant before bringing it into a space accessible to cats
- • Dispose of all daylily trimmings, wilted flowers, and fallen plant material in sealed containers to prevent accidental access
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer aggressive intravenous NaCl fluid therapy at 2-3 times the maintenance rate for 1-3 days, initiated within 24 hours of ingestion
- • Provide peritoneal lavage or hemodialysis for cats that have progressed to the anuric (no urine output) phase of kidney failure
- • Deliver supportive care to manage vomiting, seizures, and other clinical signs of uremia
Professional Toxicology
• Toxic compounds trigger acute tubular necrosis in the kidneys, leading to rapid loss of kidney function
• Gastrointestinal tract irritation causes early vomiting and salivation shortly after ingestion
• Accumulation of uremic toxins in late-stage kidney failure leads to central nervous system signs including seizures
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
Related Toxic Plants
Download PlantFun App
Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!
Instant Plant ID
Take a photo to quickly identify plants.
Smart Care Reminders
Generate watering and care schedules.
Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis
Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.
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.