Alpine squill Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 1,559 found this helpful
Alpine squill
1

Contains saponins across all plant parts (highest in bulbs and seeds) and low levels of cardiac-active steroid glycosides

2

No confirmed human or animal poisoning cases have been recorded in available clinical literature

3

Despite no documented toxicity reports, the plant is explicitly not recommended for use as animal feed

FAQ

Is Alpine squill toxic to Humans?

Potential symptoms if large amounts are ingested may include vomiting, colic, diarrhea, bradycardia, and arrhythmia; no confirmed poisoning cases reported (Low)

Is Alpine squill toxic to Cats?

Potential symptoms if large amounts are ingested may include vomiting, colic, diarrhea, bradycardia, and arrhythmia; no confirmed poisoning cases reported (Low)

Is Alpine squill toxic to Dogs?

Potential symptoms if large amounts are ingested may include vomiting, colic, diarrhea, bradycardia, and arrhythmia; no confirmed poisoning cases reported (Low)

Is Alpine squill toxic to Horses?

Potential symptoms if large amounts are ingested may include vomiting, colic, diarrhea, bradycardia, and arrhythmia; no confirmed poisoning cases reported (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans
Low

Potential symptoms if large amounts are ingested may include vomiting, colic, diarrhea, bradycardia, and arrhythmia; no confirmed poisoning cases reported

Cats
Low

Potential symptoms if large amounts are ingested may include vomiting, colic, diarrhea, bradycardia, and arrhythmia; no confirmed poisoning cases reported

Dogs
Low

Potential symptoms if large amounts are ingested may include vomiting, colic, diarrhea, bradycardia, and arrhythmia; no confirmed poisoning cases reported

Horses
Low

Potential symptoms if large amounts are ingested may include vomiting, colic, diarrhea, bradycardia, and arrhythmia; no confirmed poisoning cases reported

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo confirmed toxic parts are documented in available literature; active compound concentrations are highest in bulbs and seeds. The entire plant is not suitable for animal feed.
Exposure RouteIngestion of plant material (especially bulbs and seeds) is the primary exposure route; no skin contact toxicity risks are reported
Toxic CompoundsSaponins (present in all plant parts, highest concentrations in bulbs and seeds); Cardiac-active steroid glycosides (present in small quantities)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

  • • Induce vomiting immediately if the affected individual (human/animal) is conscious and alert after confirmed ingestion
  • • Remove all remaining plant material from the mouth and surrounding area to prevent further consumption
  • • Avoid administering food, water, or home remedies unless instructed by a medical or veterinary professional

Contact Vet Immediately

  • • If ingestion of large quantities of the plant (especially bulbs/seeds) is confirmed
  • • If symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, colic, lethargy, or abnormal heart rate develop
  • • If the affected animal has a pre-existing cardiac condition

Prevention

  • • Do not plant Alpine squill in areas accessible to grazing livestock, household pets, or young children
  • • Clearly label all Scilla species to avoid confusion with edible plants such as chives
  • • Never use any part of Scilla bifolia as feed for livestock or companion animals

Treatment & Prognosis

  • • Administer decontamination measures such as activated carbon to reduce active compound absorption as appropriate
  • • Provide symptomatic supportive care for gastrointestinal symptoms (anti-emetics, fluid therapy) if they develop
  • • Monitor cardiac function for 12-24 hours post-ingestion if large quantities of the plant are consumed
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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameScilla bifolia L.
AliasesTwo-leaf squill、Zweiblättriger Blaustern (German)、Zweiblättrige Meerzwiebel (German)、Scille à deux feuilles (French)、Scilla silvestre (Italian)
Toxicity Grade
HumansLow
CatsLow
DogsLow
HorsesLow
Target Organs
Gastrointestinal tractCardiovascular system (heart)
Mechanism of Action

• Saponins irritate gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms if large quantities are consumed

• Cardiac-active steroid glycosides can interfere with normal cardiac function, causing slow heart rate and arrhythmia in extreme cases

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: No confirmed poisoning cases reported, but the plant is explicitly not suitable for use as feed
Sheep: No confirmed poisoning cases reported, intentional consumption of any plant parts is not recommended
Goats: No confirmed poisoning cases reported, avoid grazing in areas with dense Scilla bifolia growth
Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Scilla species Scilla spp.
Similar growth form and flowering traits; toxicity levels vary significantly across the Scilla genus
Chives Allium schoenoprasum
Similar slender green leaf shape; chives are edible, while Alpine squill has low toxicity
Grape hyacinth Muscari racemosum
Similar bulbous habit and clustered spring flowers; grape hyacinth is non-toxic
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Related Toxic Plants

Lily of the valley
Lily of the valley
Convallaria majalis
High toxicity
Asparagus fern
Asparagus fern
Asparagus setaceus
Low to moderate toxicity
Adam's needle yucca
Adam's needle yucca
Yucca filamentosa
Low toxicity

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Data Sources

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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