Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
dog safety reference
Is Lords-and-Ladies safe for dogs?
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.
Adam-and-EveArum maculatumCuckoo-pintLords-and-LadiesWake Robin
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Habit
- Tuberous perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs that chew on lords-and-ladies usually regret it within seconds. The ASPCA lists Arum maculatum as toxic to dogs because of insoluble calcium-oxalate crystals that pierce the soft tissue of the mouth on contact. Reactions are dramatic but typically local rather than systemic.
What to watch for
Sudden pawing at the mouth, intense drooling, vomiting, head shaking, and reluctance to eat. Some dogs vocalize from the pain. Lips and tongue may look red or slightly swollen; airway swelling is uncommon but a serious sign if it occurs.
Time window
Pain begins almost immediately after chewing; mouth irritation typically settles within a few hours and resolves within a day with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet if drooling, swelling, or vomiting continues, your dog can't or won't swallow, or you see any change in breathing or pattern of stridor. Facial swelling or noisy breathing is an emergency.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Escalation note
Ingestion leads to immediate tissue irritation due to calcium oxalate crystals. Please consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has chewed or ingested this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Arum maculatum is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted scientific name and taxonomic classification for Arum maculatum L.
Questions about Lords-and-Ladies
Is Lords-and-Ladies (Arum maculatum) toxic to dogs?
Yes, Lords-and-Ladies is toxic to dogs. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout its tissues — including the distinctive berries, spathe, and tubers — that cause immediate oral irritation and burning upon contact.
What symptoms will my dog show after chewing Lords-and-Ladies?
Expect sudden pawing at the mouth, intense drooling, head shaking, vomiting, and reluctance to eat or swallow. The lips and tongue may look red or slightly swollen. Some dogs vocalize from pain. Symptoms begin almost immediately after chewing and typically settle within a few hours, resolving within a day with supportive care.
What should I do if my dog ate Lords-and-Ladies?
Rinse your dog's mouth gently with water to help clear residual crystals, then call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Seek emergency care immediately if you notice facial swelling, noisy or labored breathing, or your dog cannot swallow — airway swelling is uncommon but serious.
What part of Lords-and-Ladies is poisonous to dogs?
The entire plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, but the bright red berries are especially appealing and dangerous, and the tubers (underground corms) have a high crystal concentration. Chewing any part — berries, leaves, spathe, or roots — releases the crystals and triggers immediate tissue irritation.
Same dog verdict
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