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.
dog safety reference
Is Autumn Crocus safe for dogs?
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
What this means for your dog
Autumn Crocus is among the most dangerous plants a dog can eat. Every part contains colchicine — concentrated most heavily in the seeds and bulbs — and ingestion can lead to multi-organ failure. This is an emergency, not a wait-and-see.
What to watch for
Early signs are severe drooling, bloody vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Within hours to days, signs can progress to shock, liver and kidney damage, central-nervous-system effects including seizures, bone-marrow suppression, and respiratory failure. Even a small ingestion can be fatal.
Time window
Clinical signs can be seen within hours of ingestion but may also be delayed for days; the delayed onset is part of what makes colchicine poisoning so dangerous.
When to call the vet
Call immediately. ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435. Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Then drive to the nearest emergency vet — don't wait for symptoms to appear.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline (no home first-aid; emergency veterinary care required).
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.
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
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 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 dog verdict
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