Lily of the Valley

은방울꽃은 두 장의 넓은 타원형 잎 사이로 가는 꽃대가 솟고 작은 흰 종 모양 꽃이 한쪽 방향으로 매달려 줄지어 피는 풀입니다.

PLANT 225Google

Toxic to cats

SEVERE

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis · Asparagaceae

How it looks

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a plant in which a slender flower stalk rises between two broad oval leaves, with small white bell-shaped flowers hanging in a row facing one direction. The fragrance is very strong and clean. Height 6-12 in (15-30 cm).

Deadly — cardiac arrhythmia

All parts of Lily of the Valley contain cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin); ingestion can cause vomiting and diarrhea that may worsen into arrhythmias, a slowed heart rate, and heart failure. Even small amounts can affect the heart, so an immediate vet visit is needed.

If ingested

Contact your nearest vet immediately

Onset: Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea
Action: Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.

Guide for parents

Lily of the valley is often used in spring bouquets and flower beds for its white bell-shaped flowers and gentle scent, but don't bring it into a home with a cat. Its name says "lily," but its poison is different from a true lily's. The whole plant contains cardiac glycosides such as convallatoxin, so even a small amount can directly affect the heartbeat.

How it differs from a true lily

Unlike the lily, which attacks the kidneys and causes acute kidney failure, lily of the valley's problem is cardiac glycosides that attack the heart. Both are dangerous, but the toxin's target and the response differ — so don't lump them together just because both are called "lily." Knowing exactly which plant you have matters.

How cats get exposed

The leaves, flowers, and roots are all dangerous, and so is the vase water. It often slips into bouquets or grows in flower beds, so keep it out of the house and, if it's in a bed, fully separate it from your cat's paths. Clear fallen flowers and leaves the same day.

How symptoms progress

Signs usually begin very quickly — within about two hours — with vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Cardiac glycosides disrupt the heart's electrical signals, so as it advances the pulse can turn slow or irregular, and in severe cases it can progress to heart failure. Cardiac toxicity can appear even from a small amount, so don't let your guard down.

What to do right now

If you suspect ingestion, don't wait even if symptoms look mild — go to the vet right away. Do not induce vomiting at home, and telling the vet what and how much was eaten helps guide treatment.