Lilies are beautiful flowers often found in gardens and bouquets. But are they safe for humans? This guide explains which lilies are harmful, their effects, and what to do if someone is exposed.
What Are Lilies?
The term “lily” refers to many plants. Some are true lilies (Lilium genus), while others, like peace lilies and calla lilies, are not. Their toxicity varies by type.
True Lilies (Lilium spp.)
Some true lilies are safe, while others can cause health problems. For example:
- Edible Lilies: Tiger lily, showy Japanese lily, and royal lily bulbs have been eaten for centuries.
- Toxic Lilies: Some lilies can cause numbness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Star Lily (Toxicoscordion fremontii): One of the most dangerous, containing toxic alkaloids that can cause severe poisoning.
Other Plants Called “Lilies”
Some plants with “lily” in their name are not true lilies but can be harmful:
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – Can cause burning, swelling, and nausea if eaten.
- Calla Lily (Zantedeschia) – Can irritate the mouth and stomach.
- Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) – Very toxic. Can cause heart problems, confusion, and digestive issues.
- Daylily (Hemerocallis) – Safe for humans but toxic to cats.
- Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba) – Very poisonous. Can cause severe pain, vomiting, organ damage, or death.
Symptoms of Lily Poisoning
| Lily Type | Effects on Humans | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| True Lilies (Lilium spp.) | Numbness, heart issues, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea | Moderate to Severe |
| Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) | Burning, swelling, nausea, vomiting | Mild |
| Calla Lily (Zantedeschia) | Mouth pain, drooling, nausea, vomiting | Mild to Moderate |
| Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) | Slow heartbeat, fainting, confusion | Severe, possibly fatal |
| Daylily (Hemerocallis) | Generally safe, mild stomach upset | Mild |
| Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba) | Vomiting, convulsions, organ failure | Severe, possibly fatal |
Safe Lilies to Eat
Some lilies are not only safe but also edible:
| Lily Type | Edible Parts | How It’s Eaten |
| Brown’s Lily (Lilium brownii) | Bulb | Boiled, stir-fried, in soups |
| Royal Lily (Lilium regale) | Bulb | Cooked in dishes |
| Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium) | Bulb, Flower | Roasted, in salads, dried |
| Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) | Shoots, tubers, flowers | Stir-fried, steamed, pickled |
What to Do If Someone Eats a Toxic Lily
If someone eats a poisonous lily:
- Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a doctor.
- Remove plant pieces from the mouth and rinse with water.
- Give milk or yogurt to ease irritation (for peace or calla lilies).
- Call poison control (U.S.: 1-800-222-1222) or seek medical help if symptoms appear.
- Take a picture of the plant or bring a sample to help doctors identify it.
Final Thoughts
Some lilies are safe to eat, while others can be harmful. True lilies include both edible and toxic types. Non-true lilies like peace lilies and calla lilies usually cause mild irritation, but others, like Lily of the Valley and Flame Lily, are highly toxic. If unsure, keep lilies away from children and pets. If poisoning is suspected, get medical help right away.