Is Orange Day Lily Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Hemerocallis graminea
Advertisement
Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | No |
| Toxic component | Unidentified nephrotoxin (all plant parts, including pollen and vase water) |
| Onset of symptoms | 2 hours for vomiting; kidney failure develops over 24-72 hours in cats |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
Advertisement
Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Increased or decreased urination
- Dehydration
- Seizures in advanced cases
Advertisement
What to do
If a cat has had ANY contact with a true lily — chewing a leaf, licking pollen off fur, or drinking vase water — treat this as a veterinary emergency immediately, even before symptoms appear. Early IV fluid therapy within 18 hours dramatically improves survival odds.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Orange Day Lily is unidentified nephrotoxin (all plant parts, including pollen and vase water).
What makes this plant different
Day lilies (Hemerocallis) are botanically distinct from true lilies (Lilium) but ASPCA data shows cats develop the same severe kidney injury from either genus — the common 'lily' name, not the precise botany, is the useful safety signal here.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Hemerocallis graminea
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Also known as
- Orange Day Lily
- Typically found
- both
Pet-safe alternatives
Advertisement
Related plants
Aloe
Aloe vera
Asian Lily
Lilium asiatica
Asparagus Fern
Asparagus densiflorus cv sprengeri
Autumn Crocus
Colchicum autumnale
Bamboo Vine
Smilax laurifolia
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control