Star of Bethlehem Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,348 found this helpful

All plant parts are toxic, with bulbs presenting the highest poisoning risk for humans and animals

Toxic compounds include saponins, calcium oxalate raphides, and potential cardenolides like convallatoxin

Ingestion can cause depression, excessive salivation, abdominal bloating, and dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities

FAQ

Is Star of Bethlehem toxic to Humans?

Potential symptoms include oral irritation, excessive salivation, abdominal discomfort, lethargy, and abnormal heart rhythm if large amounts of raw plant material, especially bulbs, are ingested (Moderate)

Is Star of Bethlehem toxic to Cats?

Clinical toxicity data for cats is limited; expected symptoms include oral irritation, salivation, lethargy, and gastrointestinal distress if ingested (Low)

Is Star of Bethlehem toxic to Dogs?

Clinical toxicity data for dogs is limited; expected symptoms include oral irritation, salivation, abdominal bloating, and lethargy if ingested (Low)

Is Star of Bethlehem toxic to Horses?

Clinical toxicity data for horses is limited; expected symptoms include salivation, abdominal distension (tympany), lethargy, and abnormal heart rhythm if large quantities are ingested (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Potential symptoms include oral irritation, excessive salivation, abdominal discomfort, lethargy, and abnormal heart rhythm if large amounts of raw plant material, especially bulbs, are ingested

Cats

Low

Clinical toxicity data for cats is limited; expected symptoms include oral irritation, salivation, lethargy, and gastrointestinal distress if ingested

Dogs

Low

Clinical toxicity data for dogs is limited; expected symptoms include oral irritation, salivation, abdominal bloating, and lethargy if ingested

Horses

Low

Clinical toxicity data for horses is limited; expected symptoms include salivation, abdominal distension (tympany), lethargy, and abnormal heart rhythm if large quantities are ingested

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, especially bulbs. Note: Roasted bulbs are reported to be safely consumed in some Eastern cultural practices

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure is via ingestion; contact with plant sap may cause mild irritation to skin or oral mucous membranes due to calcium oxalate crystals

Toxic CompoundsSaponins; Calcium oxalate needles (raphides); Potential cardenolides including convallatoxin and convalloside

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth and rinse affected skin/mucous membranes thoroughly with cool water
• Induce vomiting only if explicitly directed by a medical professional or veterinarian for recent ingestion (within 1 hour)
• Do not administer food, drinks, or home remedies unless advised by a qualified healthcare provider

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the patient exhibits excessive salivation, severe lethargy, or unexplained abdominal bloating after exposure
• If abnormal heart rhythm, difficulty breathing, or severe distress is observed
• If ingestion of more than a small bite of the plant, especially bulbs, is confirmed

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children, cats, dogs, and horses to avoid accidental ingestion
• Avoid consuming raw bulbs or unprocessed plant parts even if the species is positively identified
• Learn to distinguish this species from similar non-toxic edible plants to prevent misidentification poisoning

Treatment & Prognosis

• Gastrointestinal decontamination (e.g. activated charcoal administration) as directed by a healthcare provider
• Symptomatic and supportive care including continuous heart rhythm and gastrointestinal function monitoring
• Fluid therapy and antiarrhythmic medication may be administered for severe cardiac symptoms

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameOrnithogalum umbellatum L.

AliasesNap-at-noon、Snowdrop、Summer snowflake、Dove's dung

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Mucous membranesGastrointestinal tractHeartNervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Calcium oxalate raphides cause immediate irritation to mucous membranes on contact

• Saponins irritate the gastrointestinal tract leading to digestive distress and bloating

• Cardenolides (if present) inhibit cardiac sodium-potassium pumps leading to abnormal heart rhythms

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): Moderate risk of poisoning if large quantities of the plant or bulbs are consumed while grazing, with potential for cardiac and gastrointestinal symptoms

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Low to moderate risk of gastrointestinal distress and cardiac abnormalities if significant amounts of the plant are ingested

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Ornithogalum species Ornithogalum spp.

Most other Ornithogalum species share highly similar visual traits including star-shaped white flowers and bulbous growth, and many have comparable toxicity profiles, making accurate identification difficult for non-experts

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Related Toxic Plants

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

Highly toxic

Easter Lily

Lilium longiflorum

Severely toxic (fatal to cats even in small amounts)

Deathcamas

Toxicoscordion venenosum

Highly 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.