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Black Calla vs. Lords-and-Ladies: which is safe for cats and dogs?

Black Calla and Lords-and-Ladies are frequently compared because both belong to the Arum genus, sharing similar structural characteristics and growth habits that often lead to confusion for gardeners. From a pet-safety perspective, it is important to know that both plants are considered potentially toxic to cats and dogs. Each contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause immediate irritation and discomfort upon contact with the mouth and digestive tract. Because both plants pose the same type of risk to your pets, it is best to keep them out of reach entirely to prevent accidental ingestion and the resulting distress they can cause to your animals.

Black Calla

Arum palestinum

Arum palestinum is a tuberous perennial known for its striking, dark purple-black spathe. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation upon contact with mucous membranes.

cat

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

dog

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Full Black Calla reference →

Lords-and-Ladies

Arum maculatum

Arum maculatum is a tuberous perennial plant known for its distinct hooded spathe and bright red berries. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate irritation upon contact with tissues.

cat

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

dog

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Full Lords-and-Ladies reference →