Is Autumn Crocus Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Autumn crocus is severely toxic to cats and dogs — all parts contain colchicine, which causes delayed vomiting, organ failure, and can be fatal. Call a vet immediately.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
In an emergency, do not wait.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isnot a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Toxicity depends on the amount, your pet’s size, and health history. If your pet may have ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline ((888) 426-4435 / (855) 764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What is Autumn Crocus?
Autumn crocus is severely toxic to cats and dogs — all parts contain colchicine, which causes delayed vomiting, organ failure, and can be fatal. Call a vet immediately.
Also known as: colchicum autumnale, meadow saffron, naked lady, colchicum.
Symptoms to Watch For
🐕 In Dogs
- Delayed vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain (can start hours after ingestion)
- Multi-organ damage: kidney and liver failure
- Bleeding disorders and breathing difficulty
- In serious cases: seizures, shock, and death
🐈 In Cats
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
- Kidney and liver damage
- Bleeding disorders
- Seizures, shock, and death in serious cases
What to Do If Ingested
- Call a veterinarian or poison hotline immediately — do not wait for symptoms.
- Note how much was eaten and when.
- Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to.
Steps apply to both cats and dogs. When in doubt, call a vet or poison hotline before acting.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away if you notice any of these:
- Any part of an autumn crocus was eaten
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
- Weakness, bleeding, or bruising
- Reduced urination or jaundice
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How is autumn crocus different from spring crocus?
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is highly toxic because it contains colchicine, which causes severe organ damage. Spring crocus (Crocus species) is far less toxic, usually causing only mild stomach upset. Because they look similar, treat any crocus ingestion seriously and call a vet.
Why is autumn crocus so dangerous?
It contains colchicine, a potent toxin that damages cells throughout the body. Symptoms are often delayed by hours, which can make owners underestimate the danger. Colchicine causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and then multi-organ failure affecting the kidneys, liver, and bone marrow.
How quickly do symptoms appear after eating autumn crocus?
Vomiting and diarrhea often start 2 to 24 hours after ingestion, which is longer than many plant toxins. This delay can lead owners to think the pet is fine. Because of the severe organ damage that follows, call a vet immediately if any part was eaten — do not wait for symptoms.
Sources
This entry is reviewed against the following authoritative veterinary sources.
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Toxicology
- Pet Poison Helpline — Poisons
Last reviewed: 2026-07-11