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
Jonquil
Narcissus jonquilla
The jonquil is a bulbous perennial known for its fragrant, clustered yellow flowers and grass-like foliage. It contains alkaloids that can cause significant gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
JonquilNarcissusNarcissus jonquillaRush-leaved daffodil
- 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
Vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, and potential abdominal pain.
Escalation note
Ingestion of the bulb is particularly dangerous due to higher concentrations of toxins. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and drooling.
Escalation note
While symptoms are often gastrointestinal, severe cases may involve cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory distress. Seek veterinary care promptly if ingestion occurs.
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
The jonquil contains lycorine and other alkaloids that are toxic to both cats and dogs.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted scientific name and distribution data for Narcissus jonquilla.
Questions about Jonquil
Is jonquil toxic to cats?
Yes, jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla) is toxic to cats. It contains alkaloids that can cause vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The bulb is the most dangerous part due to higher concentrations of toxins.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating a jonquil?
The first signs are usually drooling and vomiting, followed by diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. With larger ingestions — especially if your cat chewed a bulb — watch for tremors, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and convulsions. GI signs can appear within hours, though onset timing is not precisely documented for cats.
What should I do if my cat ate a jonquil?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian as soon as possible — bulb ingestions warrant a same-hour call, so don't wait for severe signs to appear. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian specifically instructs you to.
Is the jonquil bulb more poisonous to cats than the flowers or leaves?
Yes, the bulb is the most poisonous part of the jonquil because it contains higher concentrations of the toxic alkaloids. Any part of the plant can cause harm, but a cat that has chewed a bulb is at greater risk for serious effects including tremors, irregular heartbeat, and convulsions beyond the typical GI symptoms.
Are jonquils toxic to dogs?
Yes, jonquils (Narcissus jonquilla) are toxic to dogs. They contain alkaloids that cause significant gastrointestinal distress, and in severe cases — particularly after bulb ingestion — can lead to cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory distress.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating a jonquil?
The most common signs are severe vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. If your dog ate a bulb (the most poisonous part), watch for more serious signs: irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, tremors, and respiratory depression.
What should I do if my dog ate a jonquil?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian immediately — do not induce vomiting unless a vet instructs you to. If you saw your dog dig up or chew a bulb, treat it as urgent and don't wait to see if symptoms develop.
Are jonquil bulbs more dangerous to dogs than the flowers or leaves?
Yes, the bulbs are the most poisonous part of the jonquil. Bulb ingestion raises the risk of serious systemic effects like irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and respiratory depression, beyond the gastrointestinal symptoms seen with other plant parts. Note that signs may appear immediately or be delayed for days.
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