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.
dog safety reference
Is Black Calla safe for dogs?
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.
Arum palaestinumArum palestinumBlack CallaSolomon's Lily
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Tuberous perennial
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs — toxic. Black Calla's insoluble calcium oxalate crystals release on chewing and immediately sting a dog's mouth, tongue, and throat. Dogs are more likely than cats to take a large bite before backing off, so a single chew can produce a dramatic foaming-and-pawing reaction even though serious systemic toxicity is uncommon.
What to watch for
Most common: foaming at the mouth, pawing or rubbing the muzzle on the floor, vocalizing in pain, and vomiting. Watch for swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty swallowing, and refusal of food or water. Rarely, upper-airway swelling can compromise breathing.
Time window
Oral burning starts within minutes of the bite, since damage is from physical crystal injury rather than absorbed toxin. Most dogs recover within 24 hours with supportive care; visible oral swelling can take 1–2 days to settle.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or the ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) right away if drooling is persistent, your dog is retching, the mouth or tongue looks swollen, or breathing changes. Severe oral swelling or any breathing trouble means call now, not later.
First aid at home
Per Pet Poison Helpline, do not induce vomiting at home and do not give hydrogen peroxide without first speaking to a poison control specialist or veterinarian. Wipe any loose plant material from the mouth if you can do so safely, and bring a piece of the plant for identification.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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 typically results in immediate discomfort due to the release of 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
Questions about Black Calla
Is Black Calla toxic to dogs?
Yes, Black Calla (Arum palestinum) is toxic to dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing upon contact with mucous membranes.
What happens if a dog chews on a Black Calla plant?
Oral burning and intense irritation begin within minutes of a bite because the damage is caused by physical crystal injury rather than an absorbed toxin. You may see your dog foaming at the mouth, pawing or rubbing its muzzle on the floor, vocalizing in pain, or vomiting. Swelling of the lips or tongue and difficulty swallowing can also occur, and in rare cases upper-airway swelling can affect breathing.
What should I do if my dog ate a Black Calla?
Do not induce vomiting at home and do not give hydrogen peroxide without first speaking to a poison control specialist or veterinarian. If you can do so safely, wipe any loose plant material from the mouth, then call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Bring a piece of the plant for identification.
How long does Black Calla poisoning last in dogs?
Most dogs recover within 24 hours with supportive care. The burning starts within minutes of ingestion, but visible oral swelling can take 1–2 days to fully settle. Call your vet immediately if drooling is persistent, your dog is retching, the mouth or tongue looks swollen, or there is any change in breathing.
Same dog verdict
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