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 Blue Bead Lily safe for cats?
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
What this means for your cat
Casually safe for cats — ASPCA classifies blue bead lily (also called corn lily) as non-toxic, with no toxic principle reported. Despite the common name, Clintonia borealis is not a true Lilium and does not carry the kidney risk that real lilies do for cats.
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
Blue Bead is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Clintonia borealis is a native perennial herb found in moist, cool, acidic woods.
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.
Same cat verdict
Related plants for cats
St. Bernard's Lily
Anthericum liliago
St. Bernard's Lily is a hardy, grass-like perennial known for its elegant, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. It is considered safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
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.