Cats
UncertainIdentity or evidence quality is not strong enough for a firm answer.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
cat safety reference
Is Mariposa Lily safe for cats?
Calochortus spp.
Also known as Calochortus gunnisonii
Mariposa lilies are a group of bulbous perennials known for their striking, tulip-like flowers. They are considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Butterfly TulipCalochortus gunnisoniiCalochortus nuttalliCalochortus spp.Gunnison's Mariposa LilySego Lily
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Bulbous perennial
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats are safe around Mariposa Lily — despite the alarming "lily" name, this is one of the rare lilies that doesn't share the kidney-failure risk Lilium and Hemerocallis pose. ASPCA Animal Poison Control lists Calochortus species (Mariposa Lily, including C. gunnisonii and C. nuttallii) as non-toxic to cats. The common name is misleading, but botanically it is a different genus with no documented toxic principle for felines.
Sources: ASPCA.
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.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Under review — original classification flagged as a likely labeler error pending curator verification.
Escalation note
Under review — original classification flagged as a likely labeler error pending curator verification.
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 and Non-Toxic Plants List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Calochortus species are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Plants of the World Online - Calochortus
botanical · 95% reliability
Taxonomic record for the genus Calochortus, confirming its classification within the Liliaceae family.
Questions about Mariposa Lily
Is Mariposa lily toxic to cats?
The safety classification for Mariposa lily (Calochortus spp.) is currently uncertain — the original classification has been flagged as a likely labeling error and is pending curator verification as of May 2026. Until the classification is confirmed, treat any ingestion as potentially concerning.
What symptoms would a cat show after eating a Mariposa lily?
Specific symptoms for Mariposa lily ingestion in cats are not confirmed — the classification data is under review and has been flagged as a possible labeling error. If your cat has eaten this plant, watch for general signs of GI upset such as vomiting or lethargy and contact your vet.
What should I do if my cat ate a Mariposa lily?
Because the toxicity status of Mariposa lily is currently unverified, treat it with caution. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian right away, and be ready to describe how much your cat ate and when.
Why is the Mariposa lily classification listed as uncertain rather than safe or toxic?
A provenance audit completed on 2026-05-06 flagged the original Mariposa lily classification as a likely labeling error; it is pending verification by a curator before a definitive safe or toxic determination can be published. The confidence score for the current classification is low (0.4), which is why the safety status is shown as uncertain rather than confirmed.
Same cat verdict
Related plants for cats
Blue Bead Lily
Clintonia borealis
Clintonia borealis is a woodland perennial known for its glossy leaves and striking blue berries. While generally considered safe for pets, it is not intended for consumption.
Uncertain for cats & dogs.
Blue-dicks
Dichelostemma pulchellum
Dichelostemma pulchellum is a cormous perennial wildflower native to western North America, known for its clusters of violet-blue, tubular flowers. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Uncertain for cats & dogs.
Creeping Rubus
Rubus pedatus
Creeping Rubus is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial groundcover known for its delicate foliage and trailing habit. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild digestive discomfort.
Uncertain for cats & dogs.
Dichelostemma
Dichelostemma species
Dichelostemma is a genus of flowering corms in the asparagus family known for their unique, tubular, cluster-forming blooms. They are considered non-toxic to pets, though their fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Uncertain for cats & dogs.