Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Are Easter Lilies Poisonous to Humans?

Close-up of Easter Lily flowers
Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

Easter lilies are a beautiful, welcoming sign of spring, but you may not want to bring them inside unless you can put them out of reach of pets and small children. Most members of the lily family are toxic if ingested, and a flower's beauty is not worth the harm it may bring to your family.

Ingestion

Man with hand on head
Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images

According to a guide to poisonous plants found on the North Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources website, all parts of the Easter lily plant--leaves, stems and flowers--are considered toxic and should not be ingested. Symptoms include dizziness, stomach pain and possible collapse. The University of California Davis Department of Plant Sciences considers most lilies to have minor toxicity, which means they would cause discomfort, but would not be fatal unless large amounts were ingested.

Dermatitis

Woman holding soap
Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images

Some lilies will cause minor skin irritations in humans, but not to the extent of poison ivy or oak. Washing the irritated area with soap and water will usually take away the itch. Consult a physician if severe swelling or rash appears.

Pets and Plants

Cat relaxing
Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

Most plants that are poisonous to humans will also be poisonous to pets, but they may affect animals differently. Easter lilies are known to be extremely toxic to cats, causing liver failure if not treated immediately, whereas dogs are not as affected.

Considerations

Girl embracing dog
Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images

It is best to keep all plants and flowers out of reach of children and pets to avoid ingestion, whether the plant is considered poisonous or not.

Warning

Close-up of white lily
Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images

If any part of a plant has been ingested and the victim is experiencing difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or throat, burning pain, vomiting or severe stomach pains, call 911 immediately. Keep the number for poison control by your phone at all times. The number is (800) 222-1222.

Related Articles

Are Gerber Daisies Toxic?
Are Gerber Daisies Toxic?
What Flowers Are Poisonous to Cats?
What Flowers Are Poisonous to Cats?
Outdoor Plants That Are Poisionous to Dogs
Outdoor Plants That Are Poisionous to Dogs
Are Basil Plants Poisonous to Cats?
Are Basil Plants Poisonous to Cats?
Toxic Effects of Lily Plants
Toxic Effects of Lily Plants
Honeysuckle Toxicity
Honeysuckle Toxicity
Poisonous Daylilies
Poisonous Daylilies
Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root & Yellow Dock Side Effects
Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root & Yellow Dock Side Effects
Lily of the Valley & Its Meaning
Lily of the Valley & Its Meaning
Are Chinese Palm Plants Poisonous to Cats?
Are Chinese Palm Plants Poisonous to Cats?
Heuchera Villosa Plant & Dogs
Heuchera Villosa Plant & Dogs
Harmful Effects of Pollen From Lilies
Harmful Effects of Pollen From Lilies
Toxicity of Ficus Benjamina
Toxicity of Ficus Benjamina
Do Geraniums Need Full Sun All Day?
Do Geraniums Need Full Sun All Day?
Alstroemeria Disease
Alstroemeria Disease
How to Identify House Plants From a Funeral
How to Identify House Plants From a Funeral
Poisonous Plants in Florida
Poisonous Plants in Florida
Jade Plants & Cats
Jade Plants & Cats
Garden Guides
×