Is Blood Lily Poisonous? Toxicity for Pets and Children

Blood lily (Haemanthus spp. and Scadoxus multiflorus) is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans, including children. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, which includes amaryllis, daffodil, and kaffir lily. The bulb is the most concentrated source of toxins, but the leaves and sap also contain harmful alkaloids. Treat the entire plant as dangerous.

The Plant Behind the Name

Blood lilies are popular ornamental plants prized for their globe-shaped flower heads, which appear in deep red, orange, and scarlet tones. Scadoxus multiflorus, sometimes called the fireball lily, produces large spherical clusters of hundreds of small tubular flowers that resemble a fireworks burst. They are grown as houseplants in colder climates and outdoors in subtropical and tropical regions.

The striking appearance is part of what makes them a concern. Children and pets may be drawn to the brightly colored flowers or to the bulb when it is visible in a pot or garden bed. The bulb, which looks like an onion, is the greatest risk.

What Parts of the Blood Lily Are Toxic?

The bulb contains the highest concentration of alkaloids, primarily lycorine and related Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. These compounds disrupt normal cellular function and affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems in larger doses.

The leaves and sap also carry alkaloids, though at lower concentrations than the bulb. Treat the entire plant as toxic. The flowering head is not safe to handle or ingest.

Symptoms of Blood Lily Ingestion

The pattern of symptoms mirrors other members of the Amaryllidaceae family. Onset is typically within a few hours of ingestion.

Dogs and cats: Vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea are the most common signs. Larger ingestions, particularly of the bulb, can cause tremors, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias. In serious cases, seizures or collapse may occur. Any pet that has chewed a bulb warrants prompt veterinary attention, even before symptoms appear.

Humans and children: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea result from ingestion of leaves or sap. Bulb ingestion is more serious and may cause headache, dizziness, and in significant amounts, effects on the heart and nervous system. Children are at particular risk because bulbs can be mistaken for onions.

What to Do If Blood Lily Is Ingested

1. Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth.
2. Rinse the mouth with water.
3. Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) or your vet immediately.
4. If your pet has chewed the bulb, treat this as a veterinary emergency. Do not wait for symptoms.
5. Do not induce vomiting unless a medical professional instructs you to.
6. Bring a photo of the plant or a sample to help with identification.

The Amaryllidaceae alkaloid profile for this plant family is well-established in toxicology literature. Treat blood lily exposure with the same seriousness as amaryllis poisoning.

Safe Handling and Prevention

• Store blood lily bulbs in a closed container or cabinet, not loose in a garage or shed where pets can reach them.
• Keep potted blood lilies on high shelves or in rooms pets cannot access.
• Wear gloves when handling the bulbs. The sap can irritate skin and mucous membranes.
• Supervise young children around this plant in garden settings.
• If you have a dog that digs, blood lily bulbs planted in outdoor beds represent a meaningful risk. Consider barrier planting or relocating the bulbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is blood lily toxic if a cat chews just one leaf? A single leaf chew will likely cause drooling and possible vomiting. It warrants a call to your vet and monitoring. Full recovery is expected from minor exposures, but a professional should confirm.

How does blood lily compare to amaryllis in toxicity? The alkaloid profile is closely related. Both are Amaryllidaceae family members with lycorine as a primary toxic compound. Treat blood lily exposure with the same seriousness as amaryllis exposure.

Can blood lily sap cause skin irritation? Yes. The sap can irritate skin and mucous membranes on contact. Wash hands after handling the plant and avoid touching your eyes.

Is the bulb dangerous to dogs that dig? Yes. The bulb is the most toxic part of the plant. Dogs that dig and unearth bulbs in a garden are at meaningful risk. Factor this into your planting decisions.

Are there pet-safe alternatives with a similar bold look? For a dramatic flowering look without toxicity concerns, celosias or African daisies are options that are not considered toxic to dogs and cats.