Is an autumn crocus (colchicum autumnale) safe for Dogs?
✓ Sources checked by the Eaoae Safety Review · 2026-10-28 · Based on 3 sources
No, autumn crocus is extremely unsafe for dogs. It contains colchicine, which causes bloody vomiting, severe bloody diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage, and bone marrow suppression. It is among the most lethal garden plants.
🚨 Emergency: Yes — contact your veterinarian immediately.
💡 Why
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale, also called meadow saffron) is deceptive: its pretty fall flowers contain colchicine, a toxin that halts cell division. Poisoning unfolds as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis -- bloody vomiting and diarrhea -- progressing to shock, liver and kidney damage, and bone marrow suppression that leaves the dog unable to fight infection or clot blood. There is no antidote, and the course is often fatal despite aggressive care.
🩺 What to do
- Remove autumn crocus from gardens; do not confuse it with spring crocus (less toxic).
- Bloody vomiting/diarrhea is an immediate emergency -- go to the vet at once.
- Bring a photo of the plant for identification.
❓ Common questions
Which part is worst?
All parts, with the highest colchicine concentration in the bulbs/corms and seeds.
What are the first signs?
Bloody vomiting and diarrhea, usually within hours, followed by weakness and signs of shock.
Is there an antidote?
No specific antidote exists. Treatment is aggressive decontamination, IV fluids, and intensive supportive care.
📚 Sources
- Plants Toxic to Dogs: 19 Dangerous Plants To Avoid
- Pet Poison Helpline: Autumn Crocus
- Pet Poison Helpline: Top 10 Plants Poisonous to Pets
- ASPCA: Autumn Crocus
🔎 How the sources compare
What each authority says about Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) \u2014 compiled 2026-10-28. Eaoae’s verdict summarizes these sources; it is not our own diagnosis.
| Source | Dogs | Cats | Dose info |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASPCA Animal Poison Control | Toxic to dogs — listed under Meadow Saffron (additional common name: Autumn Crocus; Colchicum autumnale); toxic principles are colchicine and other alkaloids; signs include oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression | Toxic to cats — listed under Meadow Saffron (additional common name: Autumn Crocus; Colchicum autumnale); toxic principles are colchicine and other alkaloids; signs include oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression | — |
| Pet Poison Helpline | Toxic — all parts of the plant contain alkaloid toxins including colchicine; ingestion, fresh or dried, can cause severe poisoning with gastrointestinal signs, organ failure, shock, blood cell abnormalities and death (page written for pets generally) | Toxic — all parts of the plant contain alkaloid toxins including colchicine; ingestion, fresh or dried, can cause severe poisoning with gastrointestinal signs, organ failure, shock, blood cell abnormalities and death (page written for pets generally) | — |
| Merck Veterinary Manual | Not covered | Not covered | — |
| VCA Hospitals | Not covered | Not covered | — |
| Eaoae summary (dogs) | ⛔ Unsafe \u2014 Known to be harmful or toxic. Keep it away from your pet. | ||
🔗 Related checks for dogs
- Jack-o'-lantern mushroom (Omphalotus illudens) ⛔ Unsafe
- Destroying angel mushroom (Amanita virosa) ⛔ Unsafe
- Watermelon ⚠️ Caution
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) ⛔ Unsafe
- cooked bones ⛔ Unsafe
- Sweet Potato ✅ Safe
Checked with Eaoae’s safety lookup. Answers are generated for reference and may be incomplete — always confirm with your vet for your individual pet. Spotted an error? Let us know.
