Christmas Bells Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 4,118 found this helpful

Sandersonia aurantiaca Hook.

All parts of Sandersonia aurantiaca are classified as severely toxic to humans per CliniTox ratings, with confirmed colchicine poisoning cases from ingestion.

Its toxic alkaloid profile matches that of the highly toxic Colchicum autumnale (Autumn Crocus).

It is easily confused with other visually similar plants, some of which are also toxic, raising accidental ingestion risk.

FAQ

Is Christmas Bells toxic to Humans?

Colchicine poisoning symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, multi-organ damage, and potential fatality in severe cases (Severe)

Is Christmas Bells toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxicity data available; ingestion is strongly discouraged, may cause gastrointestinal distress and organ damage (Unknown)

Is Christmas Bells toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxicity data available; ingestion is strongly discouraged, may cause gastrointestinal distress and organ damage (Unknown)

Is Christmas Bells toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxicity data available; ingestion is strongly discouraged, may cause gastrointestinal distress and organ damage (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Severe

Colchicine poisoning symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, multi-organ damage, and potential fatality in severe cases

Cats

Unknown

No confirmed toxicity data available; ingestion is strongly discouraged, may cause gastrointestinal distress and organ damage

Dogs

Unknown

No confirmed toxicity data available; ingestion is strongly discouraged, may cause gastrointestinal distress and organ damage

Horses

Unknown

No confirmed toxicity data available; ingestion is strongly discouraged, may cause gastrointestinal distress and organ damage

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, including bulbs, leaves and flowers

Exposure RouteIngestion (primary route, especially accidental consumption of bulbs mistaken for edible root vegetables; no confirmed contact toxicity data)

Toxic CompoundsColchicine; Colchicum-related toxic alkaloids

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingestion occurred within 10 minutes and the individual is fully conscious, induce vomiting carefully
• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove residual plant matter
• Do not eat or drink anything unless instructed by a medical professional
• Retain a sample of the ingested plant for medical identification

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet or livestock is observed ingesting any part of this plant
• If your animal shows unexplained vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or abnormal behavior after potential exposure
• If you suspect your animal has had access to this plant

Prevention

• Store the plant out of reach of children, pets and livestock
• Never consume any part of the plant, and avoid mistaking its bulbs for edible root vegetables
• Learn to distinguish it from visually similar plants to reduce accidental ingestion risk

Treatment & Prognosis

• Seek immediate emergency medical or veterinary care as soon as ingestion is confirmed
• Medical staff may perform gastric decontamination and provide supportive care including fluid replacement
• Monitor organ function closely to prevent and treat complications from colchicine poisoning

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSandersonia aurantiaca Hook.

AliasesGolden lily of the valley、Chinese lantern lily、Chinese Lantern Flower (German)、Christmas Bell (French)、Golden Lily of the Valley (French)

Toxicity Grade

HumansSevere

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractLiverKidneyBone marrowCardiovascular system

Mechanism of Action

• Colchicine and related alkaloids inhibit cell division, cause cellular damage to multiple organ systems, leading to systemic poisoning after ingestion

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

General livestock: No species-specific toxicity data is available, but ingestion of any part of the plant is not recommended due to its confirmed severe toxicity to humans.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Climbing Lily Littonia modesta

Visually similar in appearance to Sandersonia aurantiaca, also severely toxic; key difference is Littonia modesta has a climbing growth habit, while Sandersonia grows upright.

Chinese Lantern Plant Physalis alkekengi

Has similar lantern-shaped floral structures, only mildly toxic with fully ripe berries being edible; key difference is Physalis produces bright red edible berries inside its lantern casing, which Sandersonia does not.

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Related Toxic Plants

Autumn Crocus

Colchicum autumnale

Severe

Climbing Lily

Littonia modesta

Severe

Flame Lily

Gloriosa superba

Severe

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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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