Is Superb Lily Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Gloriosa superba
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Colchicine |
| Onset of symptoms | Hours for initial symptoms; organ damage peaks over following days |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
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.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Severe vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Seizures
- Multi-organ damage
Symptoms in cats
- Severe vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Multi-organ damage
Symptoms in horses
- Colic
- Diarrhea
- Organ damage
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What to do
Seek emergency care immediately — organ damage can be delayed and isn't apparent from early symptoms alone.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Superb Lily is colchicine.
What makes this plant different
Superb Lily (Gloriosa) contains colchicine, the same dangerous compound found in Autumn Crocus, despite looking nothing alike and not being a true lily — the shared 'lily' name across several colchicine-containing and oxalate-containing plant families is one of the most confusing naming overlaps in ornamental horticulture.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Gloriosa superba
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Also known as
- Superb Lily, Glory Lily, Climbing Lily, Gloriosa Lily
- Typically found
- outdoor
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Autumn Crocus
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control