Blue Bead Lily — (c) Photos by Micky, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
Photo by (c) Photos by Micky, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)iNaturalistCC BY-SA
Pet safety reference

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.

Blue Bead LilyClintonia borealisCorn LilyYellow Clintonia
Light
Partial shade to full shade
Habit
Clumping perennial
Care
Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Uncertain

Identity or evidence quality is not strong enough for a firm answer.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

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.

Catsconcern 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.

Dogsconcern 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

Open source

Blue Bead is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Clintonia borealis is a native perennial herb found in moist, cool, acidic woods.

cats safety pagedogs safety page

Questions about Blue Bead Lily

Is Blue Bead Lily safe for cats?

The safety of Blue Bead Lily (Clintonia borealis) for cats is currently uncertain — its classification is under review after being flagged as a likely labeling error. Until a verified determination is available, treat it as potentially harmful and keep cats away from it.

What symptoms might a cat show after eating Blue Bead Lily?

Documented symptoms for Blue Bead Lily ingestion in cats are not available at this time because the plant's toxicity classification is pending curator verification. If your cat has eaten any part of this plant, watch for general signs of distress such as vomiting, lethargy, or drooling and contact your vet.

What should I do if my cat ate Blue Bead Lily?

Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Because the toxicity status of Blue Bead Lily is currently unresolved, err on the side of caution rather than waiting to see whether symptoms develop.

Why is the toxicity of Blue Bead Lily uncertain for cats?

As of May 2026, the plant's classification in the ASPCA provenance audit was flagged as a likely labeler error and is pending curator verification. No confirmed toxic principles or clinical data for cats were available at the time of that review, which is why the safety status remains unresolved.

Is Blue Bead Lily safe for dogs?

The safety of Blue Bead Lily (Clintonia borealis) for dogs is currently uncertain. Its classification is under review after being flagged as a likely labeling error, so a definitive verdict is not available at this time.

What happens if a dog eats Blue Bead Lily berries or leaves?

Specific symptoms for dogs are not documented for Blue Bead Lily — the plant's toxicity status is actively under curator review. If your dog has eaten any part of this plant, watch for vomiting, lethargy, or unusual behavior and contact your vet.

What should I do if my dog ate Blue Bead Lily?

Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Because Blue Bead Lily's safety classification is currently unverified, it is best to err on the side of caution and get professional guidance rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

Why is Blue Bead Lily's classification for dogs listed as uncertain?

As of May 2026, Blue Bead Lily's classification for dogs was flagged during a provenance audit as a likely labeling error and is pending curator verification. Until the review is complete, no reliable symptom or severity data is available, which is why the classification is listed as uncertain rather than safe or toxic.

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