Paper White Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,193 found this helpful

Narcissus spp

All plant parts are toxic, with bulbs being the most poisonous portion of the plant

The species is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with no safe ingestion amount

Large ingestions can cause life-threatening neurological and cardiac symptoms requiring urgent care

FAQ

Is Paper White toxic to Humans?

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

Is Paper White toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea; large ingestions lead to convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias (High)

Is Paper White toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea; large ingestions lead to convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias (High)

Is Paper White toxic to Horses?

Vomiting (colic in horses), excessive salivation, diarrhea; large ingestions lead to convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias (High)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

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

Cats

High

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

Dogs

High

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

Horses

High

Vomiting (colic in horses), excessive salivation, diarrhea; large ingestions lead to convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts, with bulbs being the most toxic

Exposure RouteIngestion of any plant part (especially bulbs); mild skin irritation from sap contact in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsLycorine; Other related alkaloids

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the affected individual/animal's mouth immediately
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean, cool water to remove residual plant sap
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a doctor or veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed ingestion of Paper White plant material, especially bulbs
• Onset of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or abnormal heart rhythm
• Ingestion of more than a small bite of any plant part by pets or livestock

Prevention

• Keep potted Paper White plants, cut flowers, and stored bulbs out of reach of pets, children, and livestock
• Label stored Narcissus bulbs clearly to avoid confusion with edible bulbs like onions or garlic
• Dispose of wilted flowers, fallen foliage, and trimmed plant material immediately where animals cannot access it

Treatment & Prognosis

• Decontamination via activated charcoal administration under professional supervision
• Supportive IV fluid therapy to maintain hydration, electrolyte balance and stable blood pressure
• Symptomatic treatment for seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, and other severe clinical signs as required

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameNarcissus spp

AliasesDaffodil、Jonquil、Narcissus

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsHigh

DogsHigh

HorsesHigh

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractNervous systemHeartKidneys (secondary to dehydration)

Mechanism of Action

• Lycorine and other alkaloids irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa on contact

• Alkaloids disrupt protein synthesis and interfere with nervous system and cardiac cell function

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Toxic, ingestion causes severe gastrointestinal distress, neurological symptoms, and potential fatality with large bulb intake

Sheep: Moderately toxic, ingestion leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness if large quantities of plant material are consumed

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Onion Allium cepa

Dried Paper White bulbs are visually similar to small edible onion bulbs; key difference is Paper White bulbs lack the characteristic sharp, savory onion odor when cut, and have a bitter taste

Spring Crocus Crocus vernus

Both have grass-like foliage and early spring cup-shaped flowers; key difference is Crocus flowers have bright orange stamens and no central corona cup, unlike Paper White blooms

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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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