Is May Lily Poisonous? – Toxicity to Humans, Dogs, and Cats
May lily (Maianthemum spp., also called false lily of the valley or wild lily of the valley) is mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. The berries are the most concerning part and are tempting to children and pets because of their red or spotted appearance. Ingestion typically causes gastrointestinal upset rather than serious systemic poisoning, but medical or veterinary advice is still appropriate if any part of the plant is eaten.
Note: may lily is not the same plant as lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), which is significantly more toxic. If you are trying to identify the plant, make sure you have the right species before assessing risk.
What Part of May Lily Is Toxic
The plant contains saponins and steroidal compounds. The berries are the most concentrated source of these compounds and are the most likely part to be eaten by children or pets. The leaves also contain these substances at lower concentrations.
May lily’s toxicity is substantially lower than its close relative lily of the valley, which contains potent cardiac glycosides. Maianthemum does not appear to contain the same level of cardioactive compounds. The primary concern here is gastrointestinal irritation rather than cardiac effects.
Symptoms of May Lily Ingestion
Dogs and cats: Eating the berries or leaves typically causes vomiting and diarrhea. Some animals may also show signs of abdominal discomfort or excessive drooling. Symptoms are generally self-limiting and resolve without treatment in mild cases, but monitoring is important.
Humans and children: Ingestion of the berries can cause nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea. The berries do not taste particularly good, which limits how many a child is likely to eat. Serious toxic effects from small ingestions are not well documented, but any ingestion by a child should be reported to poison control.
Eye and skin exposure: May lily is not known to cause significant skin or eye irritation from casual contact.
What to Do If Someone Ingests May Lily
- Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth.
- Rinse the mouth with water.
- Note approximately how much was eaten and which part of the plant.
- Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) or your vet.
- Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional or vet.
For small amounts eaten by a healthy adult, symptoms are likely to be mild. For children or pets, it is worth getting professional guidance because the appropriate response depends on the amount ingested and the individual’s size.
Identifying May Lily
May lily is a low-growing woodland plant with broad, heart-shaped leaves and small white flowers in spring. It produces small berries that start green, develop spots, and ripen to red or orange-red in late summer and autumn. It grows across shaded woodland floors in Europe, Asia, and North America.
The confusion with lily of the valley is understandable because both grow in similar woodland habitats and have white spring flowers. Lily of the valley has more elongated, narrow leaves and distinctive bell-shaped hanging flowers; may lily has broader leaves and upright flower spikes. If you are uncertain which plant you have, treat it as the more toxic option until confirmed.
Safe Handling in the Garden
May lily is a common woodland ground cover and is sometimes planted in shade gardens. It spreads by rhizome and can colonize a shaded area over time.
If you have children or pets who explore the garden:
- Be aware of where may lily grows and whether it is currently fruiting.
- Teach children not to eat any berry they find in the garden or woodland without checking with an adult.
- Remove access to fruiting plants or fence off areas where may lily grows densely if you have very young children or berry-curious dogs.
The plant is not so dangerous that it needs to be removed from gardens, but fruit-bearing patches deserve awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is may lily the same as lily of the valley? No. May lily is Maianthemum, and lily of the valley is Convallaria majalis. Lily of the valley is significantly more toxic. Make sure you have identified the correct plant.
Can a child eat one or two berries and be fine? A small number of berries is unlikely to cause serious harm in a healthy child, but you should still call poison control for guidance based on your child’s size and the amount eaten.
Are the berries edible if cooked? No. Cooking does not neutralize the compounds in may lily berries. They should not be eaten in any preparation.
My dog ate some may lily berries. What should I watch for? Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of abdominal discomfort. Contact your vet for guidance, particularly if your dog is small or ate a significant amount.
Does may lily cause skin irritation? Contact with the plant does not typically cause significant skin irritation. The main concern is ingestion of the berries.