The Stargazer lily is a popular and fragrant hybrid of the Lilium genus, often featured in gardens and floral arrangements. Questions about its safety frequently arise due to confusion about plant toxicity. This plant poses a low-level threat to people, but any ingestion should still be taken seriously.
Toxicity Status for Humans
Stargazer lilies, like other true lilies in the Lilium genus, are not generally considered to be life-threateningly poisonous to humans. They do not contain the highly potent toxins found in other plant families that cause severe systemic reactions. This low level of risk contrasts sharply with the extreme danger these plants pose to some animal species.
Ingestion of any part of the Stargazer lily can lead to mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea as the digestive system reacts to the unfamiliar plant material. These reactions are typically a result of the body attempting to expel the foreign matter, rather than a response to a deadly toxin.
The effects in humans are typically limited to the digestive tract. The risk is significantly lower than that of plants containing calcium oxalate crystals, such as Calla or Peace lilies, which cause immediate, painful irritation of the mouth and throat. While Stargazer lilies do not present this immediate irritant danger, consuming a large amount could intensify the digestive upset.
What to Do After Accidental Exposure
If a person, especially a child, is suspected of having ingested any part of a Stargazer lily, the immediate priority is to assess the situation calmly. If the plant material was only chewed and not swallowed, the mouth should be thoroughly rinsed with water. In cases of skin contact, the area should be washed with soap and water to remove any sap or residue.
The most important step following any suspected ingestion is to contact a medical expert for advice. Immediately call the national Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, which connects to local poison control centers across the United States. These centers are staffed by specialists who provide free, confidential, and specific guidance based on the amount ingested and the individual’s condition.
Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a medical professional. If the exposed person begins to show more concerning signs, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or loss of consciousness, call emergency services immediately. For minor symptoms like mild nausea or vomiting, monitoring the individual closely and keeping them hydrated is generally the recommended course of action while awaiting professional guidance.
Why Lilies Pose a Danger to Household Pets
While Stargazer lilies are low risk to humans, they are extremely dangerous to domestic cats. All parts of the plant are highly toxic to felines, including the flowers, leaves, stems, pollen, and the water in the vase. Even a small exposure, such as chewing on a single leaf or grooming pollen from their fur, can lead to serious health issues.
The ingestion of Lilium species in cats can lead to rapid and severe acute kidney failure. The exact toxic agent remains unidentified, but its effect on the feline renal system is devastating. Without swift and aggressive veterinary intervention, kidney damage can become irreversible, often leading to death within a matter of days.
The danger posed to cats is so pronounced that Stargazer lilies should be completely avoided in homes with felines. Dogs, by contrast, are significantly less sensitive to the specific toxins in true lilies, typically only experiencing mild digestive upset if they ingest the plant.