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
dog safety reference
Is Flame Lily safe for dogs?
Gloriosa superba
Climbing Lily is a tuberous climbing plant known for its striking, flame-like flowers. It contains colchicine, a potent alkaloid that is highly toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested.
Climbing LilyFlame LilyGloriosa LilyGloriosa superbaGlory Lily
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Vining climber
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs: emergency. Flame lily contains colchicine, the same alkaloid used in human gout medicine — at plant doses it shuts down rapidly dividing cells in the gut lining, kidneys, liver, and bone marrow. Untreated, dogs can die within 24–36 hours of ingestion.
What to watch for
Initial vomiting (often bloody) and profuse diarrhea, then weakness and collapse. Over hours to a day or two expect signs of kidney and liver injury, seizures, and bleeding from impaired clotting. The early gut signs can briefly improve before the multi-organ phase, which is the dangerous part.
Time window
Vomiting and diarrhea usually begin within a few hours of ingestion. If untreated, organ failure can be fatal within 24–36 hours.
When to call the vet
Right away — call ASPCA Animal Poison Control or Pet Poison Helpline and head to an ER. Treatment that starts before signs are severe is the difference between recovery and irreversible organ damage.
First aid at home
Transport to a veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting at home — colchicine cases need controlled decontamination, aggressive IV fluids, and monitoring of clotting and kidney function in clinic.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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
Excessive salivation, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and potential systemic organ damage.
Escalation note
The plant contains colchicine, which can cause severe systemic poisoning. Immediate veterinary intervention is required if your dog has chewed or ingested any part 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
Gloriosa superba is listed as toxic to cats and dogs due to the presence of colchicine.
Questions about Flame Lily
Is Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba) toxic to dogs?
Yes, Flame Lily is highly toxic to dogs. It contains colchicine, a potent alkaloid that causes severe systemic poisoning — ingestion of any part of the plant requires immediate veterinary attention.
What are the symptoms of Flame Lily poisoning in dogs?
Initial signs include excessive salivation, vomiting (often bloody), and profuse diarrhea, typically appearing within a few hours of ingestion. Over the following 24–48 hours, symptoms can progress to weakness, collapse, kidney and liver injury, seizures, and bleeding from impaired clotting. The early gut symptoms may briefly seem to improve before this dangerous multi-organ phase sets in.
What should I do if my dog ate Flame Lily?
Transport your dog to a veterinarian immediately — do not induce vomiting at home, as colchicine cases require controlled decontamination, aggressive IV fluids, and in-clinic monitoring of clotting and kidney function. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or head straight to an emergency vet. Treatment started before severe signs appear makes the difference between recovery and irreversible organ damage.
How quickly can Flame Lily kill a dog?
If left untreated, organ failure can be fatal within 24–36 hours of ingestion. The colchicine in Flame Lily causes a deceptive progression — the early vomiting and diarrhea can temporarily ease, masking that multi-organ damage is underway, so a dog that seems to stabilize is still in serious danger without veterinary care.
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