Jonquil Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,273 found this helpful

Narcissus jonquilla

Jonquil is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with the highest toxin concentration found in bulbs

Key toxic active components are lycorine and other related Amaryllidaceae alkaloids

Large ingestions can cause life-threatening neurological and cardiac effects in affected animals

FAQ

Is Jonquil toxic to Humans?

Limited documented human toxicity; accidental ingestion typically causes mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress, nausea and vomiting. Severe effects are rare and only reported with large bulb consumption. (Low)

Is Jonquil toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, salivation, diarrhea; large ingestions may lead to convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. (Moderate)

Is Jonquil toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, salivation, diarrhea; large ingestions may lead to convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. (Moderate)

Is Jonquil toxic to Horses?

Vomiting, salivation, diarrhea; large ingestions may lead to convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Cats

Moderate

Vomiting, salivation, diarrhea; large ingestions may lead to convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Dogs

Moderate

Vomiting, salivation, diarrhea; large ingestions may lead to convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Horses

Moderate

Vomiting, salivation, diarrhea; large ingestions may lead to convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts are toxic, with bulbs having the highest concentration of poisonous compounds

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion; skin contact with bulb sap may cause mild local skin irritation

Toxic CompoundsLycorine; Other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove all remaining plant material from the affected individual or animal's mouth
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean water, and wash any plant sap off exposed skin
• Contact a medical provider or veterinarian immediately for further guidance, do not induce vomiting unless instructed

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of any part of the jonquil plant, especially bulbs
• If the animal exhibits symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or abnormal heart rate
• If large quantities of the plant have been consumed, even if no visible symptoms are present

Prevention

• Keep jonquil plants, bulbs, and cut flowers out of reach of pets, livestock, and small children
• Dispose of discarded bulbs and plant trimmings in sealed, inaccessible containers
• Label stored jonquil bulbs clearly to avoid confusion with edible bulbs such as onions

Treatment & Prognosis

• Decontamination via induced vomiting and activated charcoal administration as directed by a professional
• Symptomatic supportive care including fluid therapy and antiemetics for gastrointestinal symptoms
• Cardiac monitoring and anticonvulsant administration for severe cases presenting with neurological or cardiac effects

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameNarcissus jonquilla

AliasesDaffodil、Narcissus、Paper White

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractNervous systemHeart

Mechanism of Action

• Lycorine and associated alkaloids first irritate the gastrointestinal tract, and at higher doses disrupt nervous system function and cardiac electrical activity, leading to arrhythmias and neurological symptoms

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Suspected to be toxic; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, neurological symptoms, and cardiac effects similar to those reported in horses

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Highly susceptible to toxicity; even small ingestions may lead to severe, potentially fatal gastrointestinal and cardiac effects

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Onion Allium cepa

Jonquil bulbs are visually similar to edible onion bulbs; key difference is that jonquil bulbs lack the distinct pungent onion odor when cut, and have a more rounded shape.

Spring Crocus Crocus vernus

Young jonquil foliage closely resembles young spring crocus foliage; key difference is that jonquil leaves are thicker, more fleshy, and produce yellow daffodil-like flowers at maturity.

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Amaryllis

Hippeastrum puniceum

Moderate toxicity

Common Daffodil

Narcissus pseudonarcissus

Moderate toxicity

Common Snowdrop

Galanthus nivalis

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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