Lily pads, those broad-leaved aquatic plants, commonly grace ponds and lakes. Their presence often sparks questions regarding their safety, particularly concerning curious pets and children. Understanding these plants and their common look-alikes is important for ensuring safety around aquatic environments.
Are True Lily Pads Poisonous?
True lily pads belong to two genera: Nymphaea (water lilies) and Nuphar (yellow pond lilies). Their leaves and flowers are generally non-toxic to humans and most animals. While large quantities of certain parts, such as rhizomes or seeds, might induce mild gastrointestinal upset, severe poisoning from true lily pads is uncommon. The main concern regarding “poisonous lily pads” often arises from confusion with other harmful aquatic plants.
Common Look-Alikes and Toxic Imposters
Many highly toxic aquatic plants are easily mistaken for benign lily pads, posing significant safety risks. Water Hemlock (Cicuta species) is one of North America’s most poisonous plants. This plant, a member of the carrot family, can grow tall with sharply toothed leaves and small, white, umbrella-like flower clusters. Its tuberous roots contain cicutoxin, a potent convulsant. Ingestion of even a small portion of the root can be fatal.
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is another plant sometimes confused with lily pads. This free-floating aquatic plant features broad, waxy leaves and distinctive violet-like flowers. It can be mildly toxic to dogs, potentially causing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) also presents a risk. It produces large green leaves and a unique flower structure appearing before its leaves. All parts of Skunk Cabbage contain insoluble calcium oxalates and are poisonous to humans, cats, and dogs, causing immediate irritation upon contact or ingestion.
Symptoms of Exposure and What to Do
Exposure to toxic plants can manifest in various ways, depending on the specific plant and amount ingested. Common symptoms include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling. Neurological signs like lethargy, weakness, tremors, or seizures can also occur, particularly with highly toxic plants like Water Hemlock. Contact with certain plants, like Skunk Cabbage, can cause immediate oral irritation, burning, and swelling of the mouth and lips.
If ingestion or exposure is suspected, immediate action is necessary. Remove the person or pet from the plant source. Carefully remove any plant material from the mouth or skin and wash affected areas thoroughly. Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) for humans or a veterinarian/animal poison control center (e.g., ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical or veterinary professional, as this can worsen the situation.
Distinguishing Safe from Harmful Plants
Differentiating between true lily pads and their toxic look-alikes is important for prevention. True water lilies have large, round, or heart-shaped leaves with a distinct notch, floating flat on the water’s surface. Their flowers are large, showy, and multi-petaled, appearing in various colors and opening during the day. In contrast, Water Hemlock leaves are compound, sharply toothed, and its small white flowers grow in umbrella-like clusters.
Water Hyacinth has broad, waxy, floating leaves and violet-like flowers, forming dense mats across the water. Skunk Cabbage leaves are large and green, but they lack the distinct notch of water lilies and emerge from the ground, often preceded by unique, hooded, maroon or yellow-green flower structures. Observing growth habit, flower characteristics, and leaf details can help in identification. When uncertain about a plant, it is prudent to avoid contact.