Small yellow pond-lily Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 3,597 found this helpful

Nuphar pumila (Timm) DC.

All parts of the small yellow pond-lily contain toxic nuphar-related alkaloid compounds

Ingestion may lead to rapid heart rate and abnormally high or low blood pressure

Treatment for exposure focuses on decontamination and targeted symptomatic care

FAQ

Is Small yellow pond-lily toxic to Humans?

Tachycardia (rapid heart rate), abnormally increased or decreased blood pressure (Moderate)

Is Small yellow pond-lily toxic to Cats?

No specific toxicity data documented for this species, ingestion is not recommended as a precaution (Unknown)

Is Small yellow pond-lily toxic to Dogs?

No specific toxicity data documented for this species, ingestion is not recommended as a precaution (Unknown)

Is Small yellow pond-lily toxic to Horses?

No specific toxicity data documented for this species, ingestion is not recommended as a precaution (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Tachycardia (rapid heart rate), abnormally increased or decreased blood pressure

Cats

Unknown

No specific toxicity data documented for this species, ingestion is not recommended as a precaution

Dogs

Unknown

No specific toxicity data documented for this species, ingestion is not recommended as a precaution

Horses

Unknown

No specific toxicity data documented for this species, ingestion is not recommended as a precaution

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion of plant material; no confirmed dermal or inhalation toxicity reported

Toxic CompoundsNupharin; β-Nupharidin; Desoxinupharidin (α-Nupharidin)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water immediately after ingestion
• Collect leftover plant material for accurate identification to guide medical care
• Contact poison control or a medical provider promptly for further guidance

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet is observed ingesting any part of this plant
• If your pet exhibits unusual lethargy, weakness or abnormal heart rate after potential exposure
• If any adverse reaction is suspected following contact with the plant

Prevention

• Avoid planting this species in areas accessible to children, pets or grazing livestock
• Educate foragers and gardeners to correctly identify this plant to prevent accidental ingestion
• Restrict livestock access to water bodies where this plant grows naturally

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform gastrointestinal decontamination (e.g. activated charcoal administration) appropriate for the exposure timeline
• Continuously monitor cardiovascular function including heart rate and blood pressure
• Provide targeted symptomatic care to stabilize abnormal vital signs as needed

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameNuphar pumila (Timm) DC.

AliasesLeast water-lily、Dwarf water-lily

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Cardiovascular system (heart, blood vessels)

Mechanism of Action

• Toxic alkaloid compounds present in all plant parts disrupt cardiovascular regulation, leading to abnormal heart rate and blood pressure changes

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

General livestock: No specific toxicity data documented, but ingestion is not recommended due to confirmed cardiovascular toxic effects in humans

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.): No formal toxicity studies available, potential for adverse cardiovascular effects if ingested

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Nuphar species Nuphar spp.

Visually very similar to Nuphar pumila, most species in the Nuphar genus share the same toxic alkaloid profile and are also toxic

Nymphaea hybrids Nymphaea × hybrida

Closely related water lily hybrids that are visually nearly identical to small yellow pond-lily, many variants are also toxic

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Related Toxic Plants

Low to moderately toxic

Blue Egyptian lotus

Nymphaea caerulea

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.

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