The common name “Pink Lady” can lead to confusion, as it refers to several different plants. This article clarifies which “Pink Lady” plant poses a toxicity risk and provides essential information regarding its dangers for both humans and pets. Accurate identification is important for safety.
Identifying the Toxic Pink Lady Plant
The primary plant associated with toxicity under the “Pink Lady” common name is Nerine bowdenii, also known as the Pink Lady Lily or Guernsey Lily. It is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family and originates from South Africa. This plant is distinct from other plants sometimes called “Pink Lady,” such as the Callisia repens ‘Pink Lady’, which is generally considered non-toxic or only mildly irritating if ingested. The popular Pink Lady apple is, of course, a fruit and not a plant with toxic properties.
Nerine bowdenii is recognizable by its strap-shaped, rich green leaves, which emerge from the bulb in late winter or early spring and can persist through summer. In late summer or early fall, often after the foliage begins to die back, leafless flower stalks, or scapes, emerge, growing up to 1-2 feet tall. Each stalk bears an umbel (cluster) of four to ten funnel-shaped flowers, about 2-3 inches across. These flowers are bright pink, with six narrow, recurved petals that have wavy edges and prominent pink stamens and anthers. The bulbs themselves are round.
Toxicity and Symptoms
Nerine bowdenii contains toxic compounds, primarily Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, such as lycorine, belladine, and crinine-type alkaloids. These alkaloids are present throughout the plant, but are most concentrated in the bulbs. Ingestion of any part of the plant, particularly the bulbs, can lead to poisoning.
Symptoms of poisoning in humans and pets can vary depending on the amount ingested. Mild symptoms typically include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If larger quantities are consumed, more severe effects may occur due to the systemic action of the alkaloids.
Emergency Response and First Aid
If a human or pet is suspected of ingesting any part of the toxic Nerine bowdenii plant, do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically advised to do so by a medical or veterinary professional. Instead, rinse the mouth thoroughly with water to remove any residual plant material.
For human exposure, contact the national Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, which connects to your local poison center. For pets, immediately contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or a local veterinarian. When speaking with emergency services, provide as much detail as possible, including the specific plant if identified, the approximate amount ingested, and any observed symptoms.
Prevention and Safe Handling
When working with the plant, especially when planting or dividing bulbs, it is advisable to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation from the plant’s sap. Plant Nerine bowdenii in areas that are not easily accessible to curious children or pets.
Educating all family members about the plant’s toxicity helps prevent accidental ingestion. For pet owners, supervising animals outdoors, especially those prone to chewing on plants, is a key preventative measure. When disposing of plant trimmings, spent flowers, or dead plants, ensure they are securely bagged and placed out of reach of children and pets. Removing toxic plants from areas pets frequent, both indoors and outdoors, is the most effective way to eliminate risk.