Is Autumn Crocus Toxic to Dogs and Cats?

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), also called meadow saffron, is toxic to both cats and dogs.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).

Why

Autumn crocus (Colchicum) contains colchicine, which interferes with cell division. It can cause severe vomiting, bleeding in the gut, and damage to the kidneys, liver and bone marrow.

Signs may appear right away or be delayed for several days. The spring-flowering crocus (Crocus species) is a different plant that usually causes only mild stomach upset, but because the two can look alike, treat any crocus ingestion as potentially serious.

How to recognize it

Autumn crocus has goblet-shaped pink to lilac flowers that appear straight from the ground in autumn with no leaves; broad leaves follow in spring. It looks similar to the spring-flowering crocus, which is why careful identification matters.

Signs to watch for

• Vomiting, possibly with blood
• Bloody diarrhea
• Lethargy and shock
• Signs of organ damage that can appear days later

What to do

• Go to a veterinarian immediately, even if your pet seems well.
• Identify the plant if you can; bring a photo or a piece of it.
• Avoid planting autumn crocus where pets roam.

How can you tell autumn crocus from a true crocus?

Season is not a reliable guide. Most true crocuses (Crocus) bloom in spring, but some, including the saffron crocus, bloom in autumn. Several Colchicum species are also sold under the name "autumn crocus" or "meadow saffron."

Counting stamens works better if the flower is open. True crocuses have three stamens. Colchicum has six. Colchicum flowers also tend to be larger, and the plant sends up broad leaves in spring rather than narrow, grass-like ones with a pale central stripe. If you are unsure, assume it is Colchicum and call a vet.

Why can a dry corm on the shelf be a problem?

Colchicum corms are sold in autumn as a novelty: set one on a windowsill or dish and it flowers with no soil or water. That puts the most toxic part of the plant, the corm, on a table or sill where a cat can bat it around or a dog can take it.

The corm is brown and papery on the outside, a little like a small tulip bulb. Garden corms dug up by a dog, or corms stored in a garage before planting, pose the same risk. Colchicine is also found in gloriosa (flame) lily, which is sometimes sold in bouquets.

What does care look like after an exposure?

There is no antidote for colchicine, so early care matters. The vet may decide to empty the stomach and give activated charcoal. Pets are often hospitalized for fluids, stomach protectants and pain control.

Because colchicine affects dividing cells, bone marrow and organ damage can appear several days after the plant was eaten. Vets usually repeat blood counts and kidney and liver values over a number of days, even if the pet looks better by then.

Pet-safe alternatives

Looking for something similar without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

• Non-toxicAfrican violet
• Non-toxicOrchids (moth orchid)

Common questions

Is autumn crocus poisonous to pets?

Cats: Toxic. Dogs: Toxic. Yes. Autumn crocus is extremely toxic to dogs and cats. It is not the same as the spring crocus.

Is it safe to keep autumn crocus in a home with cats and dogs?

Not within your pets' reach. Avoid planting autumn crocus where pets roam.

What should I do if my pet chews autumn crocus?

Go to a veterinarian immediately, even if your pet seems well. Identify the plant if you can; bring a photo or a piece of it.

Which pet-safe plants can I grow instead of autumn crocus?

African violet and orchids are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

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Sources

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.