Boat-lily Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 2,241 found this helpful

All parts of the plant contain sharp calcium oxalate raphide crystals that cause irritation on contact or ingestion

Plant sap triggers cell-mediated vesico-pustular contact dermatitis in dogs, with risk of systemic symptoms including circulatory collapse

Severe toxicity for birds, and related species are linked to fatal nitrate poisoning in grazing cattle

FAQ

Is Boat-lily toxic to Humans?

No specific human data available; expected symptoms include skin redness, itching, swelling on contact, and mouth/throat burning, nausea, abdominal pain if ingested (Low)

Is Boat-lily toxic to Cats?

No specific feline toxicity data documented; contact or ingestion may cause mild skin/mucous membrane irritation and gastrointestinal upset (Low)

Is Boat-lily toxic to Dogs?

Sap contact causes vesico-pustular skin/mucous membrane lesions, itching, redness, swelling, and exudation; ingestion may lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and acute circulatory collapse (Moderate)

Is Boat-lily toxic to Horses?

No specific equine toxicity data documented; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation and potential kidney risk from oxalate accumulation (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No specific human data available; expected symptoms include skin redness, itching, swelling on contact, and mouth/throat burning, nausea, abdominal pain if ingested

Cats

Low

No specific feline toxicity data documented; contact or ingestion may cause mild skin/mucous membrane irritation and gastrointestinal upset

Dogs

Moderate

Sap contact causes vesico-pustular skin/mucous membrane lesions, itching, redness, swelling, and exudation; ingestion may lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and acute circulatory collapse

Horses

Low

No specific equine toxicity data documented; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation and potential kidney risk from oxalate accumulation

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, contains calcium oxalate crystals and needle-shaped raphides

Exposure RouteDermal contact with plant sap, ingestion of plant material

Toxic CompoundsCalcium oxalate raphides; Dicarboxylic acids; Glycoprotein polysaccharides; Nitrogen compounds (including nitrates)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• For dermal exposure: Wash affected skin/mucous membranes with cool running water for 10-15 minutes to remove residual sap
• For ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, offer small sips of water to dilute toxins; do not induce vomiting unless directed by a professional
• Remove all remaining plant material from the exposure site to prevent further contact or ingestion

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet develops blistering, exudative skin lesions, or severe swelling after contact with the plant
• Your pet exhibits vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing after ingesting plant material
• You suspect your bird has ingested any amount of the plant, as toxicity is severe and potentially fatal

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children, pets, and grazing livestock
• Wear protective gloves when handling the plant to avoid contact with irritant sap
• Avoid planting this species in pastures or areas accessible to free-ranging poultry and livestock

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide symptomatic supportive care matched to observed clinical symptoms
• For methaemoglobinaemia in cattle: Administer 1% methylene blue solution at 9mg/kg via slow IV, repeat after 30 minutes if needed
• Administer vitamin C: 20mg/kg IV initially, followed by 30mg/kg orally 3 times daily as clinically indicated

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameTradescantia spathacea Sw.

AliasesBoatlily、Moses-in-the-cradle、Oysterplant、Rhoeo discolor、Rhoeo spathacea、Tradescantia discolor

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsModerate

HorsesLow

Target Organs

SkinMucous membranesGastrointestinal tractCirculatory systemKidneys

Mechanism of Action

• Sharp calcium oxalate raphides penetrate skin and mucous membranes, causing physical irritation and inflammatory reactions

• Nitrates are metabolized to toxic nitrites in ruminants, leading to methaemoglobinaemia and impaired oxygen transport

• Sap components trigger cell-mediated immune responses leading to contact dermatitis in susceptible species

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Birds: Severe (+++) toxicity: ingestion of any quantity may be rapidly fatal

Cattle: Fatal nitrate poisoning may occur within 1-2 hours of grazing on related Tradescantia fluminensis, with high methaemoglobinaemia risk

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other spiderwort species Tradescantia spp.

Closely related genus members share similar leaf morphology and growth habits, and most also contain oxalate raphides with comparable toxicity

False spiderwort Callisia spp.

Same Commelinaceae family, with overlapping ornamental use and similar rosette/trailing growth forms, often misidentified as Tradescantia

Dayflower Commelina spp.

Common Commelinaceae weed with similar leaf shape, often found growing in the same habitats as ornamental Tradescantia species

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Related Toxic Plants

Purple heart

Tradescantia pallida

Moderate toxicity: contains calcium oxalate raphides, causes dermal irritation

False bromeliad

Callisia fragrans

Moderate toxicity: contains irritant raphides and inflammatory glycoproteins

Wandering jew

Tradescantia fluminensis

High toxicity: linked to fatal nitrate poisoning in grazing cattle

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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.