Calla Lily
Zantedeschia aethiopica · Araceae
How it looks
Calla Lily is marked by a large white funnel-shaped flower (spathe) rolled on one side, with a central yellow rod-like flower stalk (spadix). The leaves are arrowhead-shaped, dark green, and glossy. It stands 20–35 in (50–90 cm) tall.
Caution — not a true lily, but it irritates the mouth
Despite the name, this is not a true lily (Lilium), so it does not cause kidney failure. However, its insoluble calcium oxalate crystals irritate the mouth and esophagus, causing drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Guide for parents
Calla Lily (calla lily) is an elegant flower that often arrives as a wedding flower or potted gift. Chewing the leaves makes the mouth and tongue sting right away and causes heavy drooling. Rinsing the mouth with water usually settles it within an hour. If labored breathing or difficulty swallowing lasts more than 6 hours, we recommend consulting your vet. Don't confuse it with a true lily, but the irritation it causes is real.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Zantedeschia aethiopica
- Common name
- Calla Lily
- Family
- Araceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Araceae
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