Cats & 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.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Autumn Crocus
Colchicum autumnale
The Autumn Crocus is a bulbous perennial known for its late-season blooms that emerge directly from the ground. It contains potent alkaloids that make it highly dangerous if ingested by pets.
ColchicumColchicum autumnaleMeadow SaffronNaked Lady
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Bulbous perennial
- Care
- Low
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
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, shock, organ damage, and bone marrow suppression.
Escalation note
This plant is extremely toxic. Ingestion of any part can lead to severe systemic illness. Please contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Severe gastrointestinal distress, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, multi-organ failure, and potential respiratory failure.
Escalation note
The toxins in this plant are highly potent and can be fatal. Immediate veterinary intervention is required if your dog has consumed any portion of 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
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Autumn Crocus contains colchicine and other alkaloids that are highly toxic to both cats and dogs.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical name and distribution data for Colchicum autumnale L.
Questions about Autumn Crocus
Is autumn crocus toxic to cats?
Yes, autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is extremely toxic to cats. It contains potent alkaloids, most notably colchicine, and ingestion of any part of the plant can cause severe systemic illness or death.
What are the symptoms of autumn crocus poisoning in cats?
Early signs include heavy drooling, vomiting (sometimes bloody), and diarrhea. Hours to days later, cats can develop shock, multi-organ failure, and bone marrow suppression — which may appear as bruising or pale gums. Symptoms can be delayed for days after ingestion, making this plant especially dangerous.
What should I do if my cat ate autumn crocus?
Call a veterinarian or animal poison control immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Even a cat that looks fine right now can deteriorate rapidly over the next several days.
Which parts of autumn crocus are most dangerous to cats?
All parts of the autumn crocus are toxic, but the seeds and bulbs carry the highest concentrations of colchicine. There is no safe part of this plant for cats to ingest.
Is Autumn Crocus toxic to dogs?
Yes, Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is highly toxic to dogs. It contains potent alkaloids that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, multi-organ failure, respiratory failure, and death — even from a small ingestion.
What are the symptoms of Autumn Crocus poisoning in dogs?
Early signs include severe drooling, bloody vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Within hours to days, poisoning can progress to shock, liver and kidney damage, seizures, bone-marrow suppression, and respiratory failure. Critically, clinical signs may be delayed for days after ingestion, which makes Autumn Crocus poisoning especially dangerous.
What should I do if my dog ate Autumn Crocus?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 immediately, then drive to the nearest emergency vet — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Immediate veterinary intervention is required; this plant can be fatal and time is critical.
How quickly does Autumn Crocus poisoning affect dogs?
Symptoms can appear within hours of ingestion, but onset may also be delayed by several days — a hallmark of colchicine toxicity that makes it particularly dangerous because a dog may appear fine at first. Any known or suspected ingestion warrants emergency care regardless of how the dog looks.
Same safety verdict
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