Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Canna Lily
Canna generalis
Also known as Canna indica
Canna Lily is a popular tropical perennial known for its vibrant, large flowers and bold foliage. It is considered safe for pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
CannaCanna generalisCanna indicaIndian Shot
- Light
- Full Sun
- Habit
- Upright
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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
Generally none; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
The plant is non-toxic, but if your cat consumes a significant amount and shows persistent gastrointestinal distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Generally none; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
The plant is non-toxic, but if your dog consumes a significant amount and shows persistent gastrointestinal distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Canna Lilyis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Canna Lily is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Canna generalis is a rhizomatous perennial that is widely grown for its ornamental foliage and flowers.
Questions about Canna Lily
Is Canna Lily toxic to cats?
No, Canna Lily (Canna generalis) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is not the same as true lilies (Lilium or Hemerocallis species), which are extremely dangerous to cats — so the 'lily' in the name can be misleading.
What happens if my cat eats a Canna Lily?
Because Canna Lily is non-toxic, most cats will have no reaction at all. Ingestion of large amounts of the fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea, but serious illness is not expected.
Should I call my vet if my cat ate part of a Canna Lily?
A small nibble is unlikely to require veterinary attention. If your cat ate a significant amount and is showing persistent vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian — not because the plant is toxic, but because large amounts of fibrous material can cause prolonged GI upset.
Can people confuse Canna Lily with toxic lilies that harm cats?
Yes — the word 'lily' in the name causes understandable alarm, but Canna generalis is botanically unrelated to the true lilies (Lilium spp.) and daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) that can cause acute kidney failure in cats. If you are unsure which plant your cat ate, verify the species before assuming it is safe.
Is Canna Lily toxic to dogs?
No, Canna Lily (Canna generalis) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is not known to cause poisoning, and most dogs that chew on it will have no reaction at all.
What happens if my dog eats a Canna Lily?
Eating small amounts is unlikely to cause any problem. If your dog consumes a large quantity of the fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk and fiber content, not any toxic compound.
How much Canna Lily would upset my dog's stomach?
Minor GI upset is only a concern with large ingestions of the fibrous leaves or stems. A nibble or small bite is unlikely to cause any symptoms; the risk scales with how much your dog actually eats.
My dog ate a lot of Canna Lily and is still vomiting — should I call the vet?
Yes. While Canna Lily is non-toxic, persistent gastrointestinal distress after a large ingestion warrants a call to your veterinarian. Non-toxic does not mean safe to eat in unlimited quantity, and ongoing vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
Same genus
More from the Canna genus
Same safety verdict
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Celosia
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Same growing conditions
