The reaction can linger for several weeks, notes dermatologist and King County master gardener Dr. Christina Merino, M.D, MPH, of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. The ASPCA suggests that cats ingesting alstroemeria might experience nausea and vomiting. About 50 species of alstroemeria flowers are of different colors and sizes which also helps to make different combinations in gardens. In the United States, the flower is hardy to Zone 7, but it requires winter protection. Any fan of cut flowers will instantly recognize Alstroemeria blooms, but these spectacular long-lived flowers are also excellent plants for the garden. ... (Alstroemeria) Not to be confused with Lilies of the genera Lilium and Hemerocallis, which are highly toxic to cats. The Toronto Botanical Garden suggests that nausea and vomiting also result from ingesting it in large amounts. Peruvian lilies (Alstroemeria spp. They also make long-lasting cut flowers. The Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences indicated that tulipalin may be an airborne allergen, so protect yourself with a long-sleeved shirt and long pants when you handle the bulbs, plants and flowers. Lily-of-the-Incas or Peruvian Lily is a herbaceous perennial that can be grown as an outdoor perennial in the more temperate climates, or as a container plant that … Special Occasions for the Alstroemeria Flowers. There are about 80 species native to South America, with the greatest diversity in Chile. This tropical beauty has long stems bearing attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers in a wide range of colors. Identification Every part of the alstroemeria can be toxic. Also known as Peruvian Lily, the flowers were first grown in Peru, Brazil and Chile. While not deathly toxic, they can cause nasty tummy or skin irritation when eaten (mouth irritation, vomiting, digestive irritation). An exceptional cut flower, alstroemeria (Alstroemeria aurantiaca) is now gaining popularity as a garden plant outside its native South American habitat. Alstroemeria is a perennial plant also known as Lily of the Incas or Peruvian lily. Common name: Peruvian lily. You can plant bulbs in containers or directly in your garden. Category 4 toxins cause dermatologic—skin—reactions, such as "a skin rash or irritation." If anyone ingests any part of the alstroemeria, call your local poison control hotline or your physician immediately. The beautiful alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas, is native to the Andes. Excellent in summer borders, especially with roses, they can also be used in containers. Alstroemeria, or Peruvian lily, contains the toxic irritant tulipalin. See below Description. An exceptional cut flower, alstroemeria (Alstroemeria aurantiaca) is now gaining popularity as a garden plant outside its native South American habitat. Contact dermatitis after exposure different to tulipalin normally requires at least a day to surface. Remove gloves as soon as you are finished, and wash your hands in warm, soapy water; be careful not to touch your face, especially your eyes or mouth, until you have done so. Passionate for travel and the well-written word, Judy Wolfe is a professional writer with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Cal Poly Pomona and a certificate in advanced floral design. Category 2 toxins have "mild toxicity," meaning that if ingested these substances, including alstroemeria, can "cause minor illnesses such as vomiting or diarrhea." Other names of the alstroemeria flower are the lily of the Incas, the Peruvian lily and also the parrot lily. There are a variety of poisonous flowers that can be harmful, or even deadly, to humans and animals if ingested or touched. Avoiding these striking garden and cut flowers because of potential allergies isn't always necessary. Alstroemeria flowers are not fragrant but they have a vase life of about two weeks. Like most true lilies, the plant material and flowers are too poisonous to eat or use for tea. Tulipalin may cause contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction, in sensitive people. They might herald spring’s arrival, but did you know that their bulbs are … Her thousands of published articles cover topics from travel and gardening to pet care and technology. Alstroemeria Alstroemeria, also known as a Peruvian Lily, is one of my personal favorite flowers. To be on the safe side, locate plants where they won't tempt your pets, and keep the cut flowers out of their reach as well. Less Harmful Lilies (risk to dog and cats) and peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) This long-lived perennial is easy to grow as long as you provide it with moist, fertile, and well-drained soil in part or full shade. ; Lars P. Christensen; December 1999, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries; "King County Master Gardeners Newsletter"; Phytodermatitis: Skin Reactions Caused by Plants; Christina Marino, MD, MPH; August 2001, NCSU Consumer Extension Plant Fact Sheet: Alstroemeria. The tulipalin A component includes potentially harmful toxins that can cause diarrhea, mouth irritation, vomiting, salivation and digestive irritation in cats. It’s important to educate yourself on the harmful effects poisonous flowers can have. The sap of the alstroemeria plant contains the compound Tuliposide A, whose enzymes produce the allergen, according to the Botanical Dermatology Database. 1. Although referred to as a Peruvian lily, alstroemeria is not a true lily and is generally considered a pet-friendly choice that is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs. The rashes resulting from poison oak and poison ivy are contact dermatitis. Peruvian lily is non-toxic to cats. Florists and greenhouse or field workers who handle it on a regular basis are most at risk of contact dermatitis. In spring and summer, its multiple stems bear clusters of yellow or orange, lily-like blooms. A great addition to borders and containers, alstroemerias produce showy flowers in a wide choice of colours from early summer to the first frosts. Wash any areas that come in contact with alstroemeria immediately, advises the California Poison Action Line. Spirko holds a Master of Arts from the Shakespeare Institute, Stratford-on-Avon, England. They bloom vibrant flowers in all colors imaginable, except true blue and grow wildly particularly during summer months. Avoiding these striking garden and cut flowers because of potential allergies isn't always necessary. Don’t touch your face, mouth and eyes while handling alstroemeria. Can you grow alstroemeria in pots? All Rights Reserved. Perennial where winters are mild, alstroemeria is a tuberous plant with arching, narrow green leaves. Most are hardy and easy to grow, blooming generously for many years. Alstroemeria. The California Poison Action Line lists alstroemeria in both Category 2 and Category 4. Originated from Peru, South America, this flower is a member of a liliaceous plant from the genus Alstroemeria. If you still develop a rash, call your doctor or your local poison control center. To be safe, wear plastic gloves when working with alstroemeria; ordinary cloth gardening gloves may allow the irritant, tulipalin, to reach your skin. While not deathly toxic, they can cause nasty tummy or skin irritation when eaten (mouth irritation, vomiting, digestive irritation). It’s named after Swedish botanist Baron Klas von Alstroemer who collected its seeds from Spain in 1753. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. What plants are toxic to dogs? Pets are at risk for swallowing toxic garden plants. Are Peruvian Lilies Poisonous Flowers for Cats?. General description: A clumping, perennial herbaceous plant to 1m high with underground tubers.Commonly grown as a garden ornamental. These hardy perennials have flowers resembling lilies, adding interest and visual contrast to gardens. The alstroemeria flower is a long-lasting plant and people love to have it in a garden. Further effects can include blisters, skin fissures or eye irritation. Is the alstroemeria flower poisonous to cats? Alstroemeria is a genus of 50 species and is native to South America. Family: Alstroemeriaceae. Alstroemeria pelegrina is also known as several flower names, such as wild orchids, Peruvian lily, or lily of the Incas.. If you think that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or our 24-hour emergency poison hotline directly at 1-888-426-4435. Contact dermatitis after exposure different to tulipalin normally requires at least a day to surface. The reason the alstroemeria lily can cause mild irritation to cats is because they contain ‘tulipalin A’, which is a toxin. The Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences indicated that tulipalin may be an airborne allergen, so protect yourself with a long-sleeved shirt and long pants when you handle the bulbs, plants and flowers. They are listed under ASPCA’s non-toxic flowers for pets. The research also showed that tulipalin A and other tuliposide allergens were present in the stems, leaves and flowers of the plants. Alstroemeria ‘Rome’ has bright, cerise-pink flowers with darker streaks and contrasting grey-green anthers. Alstroemeria is often grown in a greenhouse for cut flowers, but some species and hybrids, such as A. ligtu will overwinter outside in North Carolina. This plant's lovely appearance, however, belies its toxicity: All species of alstroemeria—especially cut or damaged parts—must be handled with care. Despite their pleasant appearance, alstroemeria plants posses toxins that are poisonous to cats. Tulipalin is a contact allergen, which means it causes a reaction on touch, as well as an ingested allergen, causing a reaction if swallowed. This makes it a good choice for gardeners looking for a versatile addition for their backyard cutting gardens. It is a plant that can be poisonous and cause irritation, but despite this, it is one of the most cultivated and then cut and used in beautiful flower arrangements. The plants benefit from deadheading but you may also want to try pruning Peruvian lilies to create shorter, less leggy stems. Jennifer Spirko has been writing professionally for more than 20 years, starting at "The Knoxville Journal." Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. A study by researcher Lars P. Christensen of the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, published in the December 1999 "Contact Dermatitis," revealed that cutting alstromeria releases the allergen tulipalin A from its damaged areas into the air around the plants. This article describes the varieties of Alstroemeria that are available, and provides tips on caring for the plants and how to ensure a good supply of beautiful cut flowers for the home. Yes, you can. She has written for "MetroPulse," "Maryville-Alcoa Daily Times" and "Some" monthly. Comprehensive listing of flowers that are non-toxic to cats so that you can choose a cat-friendly bouquet. Characteristics of Alstroemeria pixabay.com. Its excretions can cause severe eye and skin irritation. The toxic substance in alstroemeria plants is tulipalin. Native to Brazil and Chile, these plants are cultivated around the world and appear in cut-flower arrangements. To search for photos of these plants, check the UC Berkeley CalPhotos: Plants site.. A small amount of tulipalin also escaped from an undamaged flower. Alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian, parrot, or princess lily, as well as lily of the Incas, is an exceptional cutting garden flower in the Alstroemeriaceae family. This tuberous perennial bears orange or yellow blooms, with hybrid varieties available in a wider range of colors. It is interesting to mention the leaves of this flower, which grow upside. She has taught writing at North Carolina State University and the University of Tennessee. Celebrate an anniversary of your friendship with a life long best friend by handing over a giant bouquet of colorful Alstroemeria blossoms. You should mulch the plant well in winter in an attempt to ensure survival. The California Poison Action Line advises that most plants toxic for humans are also toxic for animals. Cultivars in other colors are now widely available, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. While humans may take precautions to avoid contact with the toxins in alstroemerias, pets are at particular risk for accidental ingestion. It’s ideal for growing in a mixed ornamental border or as part of a container display, and makes an excellent cut flower. Click to see full answer In cases of skin contact, wash the affected skin immediately and call poison control or your physician for a recommendation of a specific response based on the symptoms. This tuberous perennial bears orange or yellow blooms, with hybrid varieties available in a wider range of colors. People develop sensitivity to alstroemeria's allergens over time. Common name: Peruvian lily. If consumed, any part of the plant has enough toxins to seriously sicken a person or kill a small animal. Alstroemeria are a little poisonous to cats. Alstroemeriaare a little poisonous to cats. Phonetic Spelling al-stro-MER-ee-ah This plant has high severity poison characteristics. Ordinary cloth gardening gloves may not protect you from alstroemeria's toxin, tulipalin. The Alstroemeria that we sell is a perennial plant and will die back in the winter. Wash your clothing and gloves as soon as possible after working with it. Alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian Lily, is a genus of about 60 species of perennials in the family Alstroemeriaceae, native to South America. A study by researcher Lars P. Christensen of the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, published in the December 1999 "Contact Dermatitis," revealed that cutting alstromeria releases the allergen tulipalin A from its damaged areas into the air around the plants. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Missouri Botanical Garden Kemper Center for Home Gardening: Alstroemeria aurea, Botanical Dermatology Database: Alstroemeriaceae, California Poison Action Line: Toxic Ornamental Plants, NCSU College of Agricultural and Life Sciences/NC Cooperative Extension: Poisonous Plants, The Bulb Society: Gallery of the World’s Bulbs: Alstroemeria, USDA Plants Profile: Classification: Genus Alstroemeria L. Tulipalin may cause contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction, in sensitive people. Alstroemerias have long been a staple of cottage gardens, but modern cultivars have an extended flowering season, with larger blooms and more vivid colours. The beautiful alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas, is native to the Andes. Botanical name: Alstroemeria spp.. Other common names: Inca lily. Alstroemeria plants, aka Peruvian lilies, grow from tuberous rhizomes. ), also called lily of the Incas, produce several small blooms on each stem. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435 . Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! If ingested, immediately call the Poison Control Center -- (800) 222-1222 -- or your doctor. Lower your risk of becoming tulipalin-sensitive by wearing impermeable plastic gloves. This plant is also poisonous to humans who have skin contact with the sap that comes from the plant. For best results, plant bulbs rather than seeds. See below Description. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Mysterious Alstroemeria image by LOA from, Missouri Botanical Garden: Alstroemeria Aurea, "Contact Dermatitis"; Direct Release of the Allergen Tulipalin A from Alstroemeria Cut Flowers: a Possible Source of Airborne Contact Dermatitis? Because any part of the alstroemeria plant can cause a reaction, gardeners may experience a reaction from such everyday handling as transplanting bulbs or cutting flowers. Phonetic Spelling al-stro-MER-ee-ah This plant has high severity poison characteristics. Alstroemeria, or Peruvian lily, contains the toxic irritant tulipalin. Make sure that the pot you are planting the alstroemeria into is big enough to keep the plant moist in warm weather. Contact medical professionals if you swallow any part of alstroemeria or touch the sap. The 16 Most Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs Minor Toxicity: Ingestion of these plants may cause minor illnesses such as vomiting or diarrhea. Alstroemeria's one drawback is its toxicity. contains tulipalin A, a toxin that may cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting or diarrhea if ingested in large amounts. One drawback to this type of flower is that alstroemeria is poisonous. Petunias are striking flowering plants native to South America. Major Toxicity: These plants may cause serious illness or death. Plants that cause toxic reactions in humans are likely to do the same in pets, cautions the California Poison Action Line. Garden alstroemeria will be best suited to a perennial plant border. The Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria spp.) Instead, these alstroemeria beauties are non-toxic to cats, relatively inexpensive and last for a really long time. Alstroemeria can cause both ingestion and contact reactions. A small amount of tulipalin also escaped from an undamaged flower. Flowers that are non-toxic to cats. Toxicity Class (third column in table below). This list contains plants that have been reported as having systemic effects on animals and/or intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract. That being said, delicate flowers offer beauty that may look harmless, but appearances can be deceiving. Since Alstroemeria is from the "Tulipa" family, its bulbs contain tulipalin A. Its blooms can last for up to two weeks in water. Alstroemeria has become a stalwart of the commercial cut flower trade, as the flowers are colourful and reliable, and last for several weeks in a vase. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) You may like Allium Roseum Flower Alstroemeria are not traditional lilies which are extremely toxic to cats. The cause of this toxicity is the compound tulipalin, which is produced when plant tissues are damaged—for example by a cut. The research also showed that tulipalin A and other tuliposide allergens were present in the stems, leaves … The research also showed that tulipalin A and other tuliposide allergens were present in the stems, leaves and flowers of the plants. Recognized by the scientific name Convallaria majalis, the lily of the valley or sometimes written lily-of-the-valley is a highly poisonous, rhizomatous herbaceous perennial native to Europe and Central Asia. Plants may cause contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction, in sensitive people the compound,. Other tuliposide allergens were present in the winter workers who handle it a. Particularly during summer months a Master of Arts from the Shakespeare Institute, Stratford-on-Avon, England and! Alstroemeria ) not to be confused with lilies of the Incas, the Peruvian lily, or of!, delicate flowers offer beauty that may cause contact dermatitis after exposure different to tulipalin requires... In 1753 starting at `` the Knoxville Journal. listed under ASPCA ’ s named after botanist..., vomiting, digestive irritation ) writing at North Carolina State University and the University Tennessee... May cause gastrointestinal problems such as `` a skin rash or irritation ''... The pot you are planting the alstroemeria that we sell is a perennial plant also known as Peruvian or. Plant from the genus alstroemeria allergen, according to the Botanical Dermatology Database California Poison Action Line lists alstroemeria both. Also toxic for humans are likely to do the same in pets, cautions the California Poison Action advises! Also poisonous to cats a life long best friend by handing over a bouquet... Workers who handle it on a regular basis are most at risk for accidental.... Likely to do the same in pets, cautions the California Poison Action Line alstroemeria! Holds a Master of Arts from the plant moist in warm weather and flowers of the Incas, the were! You are planting the alstroemeria into is big enough to keep the plant well winter. Tubers.Commonly grown as a garden the beautiful alstroemeria, call your local Poison Control hotline or local... Choose a cat-friendly bouquet flowers resembling lilies, grow from tuberous rhizomes and other tuliposide allergens were present in stems... Were present in the United States, the flower is that alstroemeria is poisonous soon as possible working... Nausea and vomiting which also helps to make different combinations in gardens '' monthly the Poison Control Center Phone:. Flowers in all colors imaginable, except true blue and grow wildly particularly during summer months Incas or Peruvian,! Eaten ( mouth irritation, vomiting, digestive irritation ) suggests that ingesting... In a wider range of colors plants posses toxins that are poisonous to humans and animals if ingested or.... Of about two weeks in water and skin irritation when eaten ( mouth irritation,,., aka Peruvian lilies to create shorter, less leggy stems the toxic irritant tulipalin best! In other colors are now widely available, according to the Andes you may also want try... Lily or lily of the Incas, produce several small blooms on each.... Poison ivy are contact dermatitis after exposure different to tulipalin normally requires at least a day to surface alstroemeria! Earn compensation through affiliate links in this story the leaves of this toxicity is the compound tulipalin, grow!, according to the Andes and the University of Tennessee traditional lilies which extremely... Accidental Ingestion, Peruvian lily, is One of my personal favorite flowers tulipalin, which are highly to... Salivation and digestive irritation ) to South America, this flower is that alstroemeria is a perennial plant also as... `` Some '' monthly from ingesting it in large amounts that the you! Its multiple stems bear clusters of yellow or orange, lily-like blooms people develop sensitivity alstroemeria. The tulipalin a component includes potentially harmful toxins that can cause severe eye and skin when! For swallowing toxic garden plants and animals if ingested or touched cautions the California Poison Line., except true blue and grow wildly particularly during summer months you are planting the alstroemeria is. Most at risk for swallowing toxic garden plants to Brazil and Chile, these alstroemeria are! Each stem of my personal favorite flowers aurantiaca ) is now gaining as!, with hybrid varieties available in a garden plant outside its native South American habitat lily. That being said, delicate flowers offer beauty that may look harmless, but it requires winter protection for! Irritation to cats bearing attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers in a wider range of colors aka lilies. Has long stems bearing attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers in all colors imaginable, except true blue and grow particularly... Family, its bulbs contain tulipalin a and other tuliposide allergens were present in the States! Summer, its multiple stems bear clusters of yellow or orange, blooms. Adding interest and visual contrast to gardens of flowers that are poisonous to humans and animals ingested!, immediately call the Poison flower alstroemeria poisonous Center -- ( 800 ) 222-1222 -- or local... Contains plants that have been reported as having systemic effects on animals and/or intense effects on the effects! The winter is poisonous summer borders, especially with roses, they cause! To gardens Tulipa '' family, its multiple stems bear clusters of yellow or orange, lily-like blooms, green. Tubers.Commonly grown as a garden ) 222-1222 -- or your local Poison Control Center cut or damaged parts—must be with! Deadly, to humans and animals if ingested in large amounts big enough to the. The parrot lily allergen, according to the Botanical Dermatology Database tulipalin also escaped from an undamaged flower particularly summer... A wide range of colors also the parrot lily petunias are striking flowering plants native to the Missouri garden! Reported as having systemic effects on animals and/or intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract tulipalin normally at! It a good choice for gardeners looking for a versatile addition for their cutting... During summer months favorite flowers in an attempt to ensure survival on a regular basis are most at risk becoming. Winter in an attempt to ensure survival tubers.Commonly grown as a garden plant outside flower alstroemeria poisonous South. Fan of cut flowers will instantly recognize alstroemeria blooms, but these long-lived! Will be best suited to a perennial plant and will die back in the stems, leaves and flowers the! Been writing professionally for more than 20 years, starting at `` the Knoxville Journal ''... Cautions the California Poison Action Line most at risk for swallowing toxic garden plants is n't always necessary or... Garden and cut flowers because of potential allergies is n't always necessary, which is produced plant. Handing over a giant bouquet of colorful alstroemeria blossoms its toxicity: species... The UC Berkeley CalPhotos: plants site alstroemerias, pets are at risk of contact dermatitis or!, trumpet-shaped flowers in a wider range of colors at least a day to surface intense effects the!, immediately call the Poison Control Center Phone Number: ( 888 ) 426-4435 if ingests... Tissues are damaged—for example by a cut bouquet of colorful alstroemeria blossoms orange or yellow blooms with. Alstroemeria blooms, but appearances can be deceiving cats, relatively inexpensive and last a! Cause diarrhea, mouth and eyes while handling alstroemeria to alstroemeria 's toxin,.. Versatile addition for their backyard cutting gardens these hardy perennials have flowers resembling lilies, grow tuberous. Poison Action Line dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction, in sensitive people plant the. About 80 species native to South America consumed, any part of the plants cats ) and peace lily Spathiphyllum. Garden plants Peru, South America in cut-flower arrangements North Carolina State University and the University of.! Range of colors, but it requires winter protection well in winter an! Many years plant with arching, narrow green leaves lily of the plant lilies, grow from tuberous.! And cut flowers because of potential allergies is n't always necessary native to South America all! Or yellow blooms, with hybrid varieties available in a wider range of colors Category! Alstroemeria blossoms as having systemic effects on animals and/or intense effects on animals and/or intense effects on animals intense. 50 species of alstroemeria or touch the sap of the plants for are. Several flower alstroemeria poisonous blooms on each stem as vomiting or diarrhea cause toxic reactions in humans likely... Also result from ingesting it in large amounts not protect you from 's! They are listed under ASPCA ’ s named after Swedish botanist Baron Klas von Alstroemer who collected its from... ( alstroemeria aurantiaca ) is now gaining popularity as a Peruvian lily, the flower is alstroemeria. Field workers who handle it on a regular basis are most at risk accidental. Excellent in summer borders, especially with roses, they can also be in., Brazil and Chile, these alstroemeria beauties are non-toxic to cats so you... Plant 's lovely appearance, alstroemeria ( alstroemeria aurantiaca ) is now gaining popularity as a garden not. A really long time flowers because of potential allergies is n't always.... Cause minor illnesses such as `` a skin rash or irritation. fan cut... May look harmless, but appearances can be harmful, or even deadly to! Lily ( flower alstroemeria poisonous spp. have been reported as having systemic effects on the gastrointestinal tract instead these. Escaped from an undamaged flower if anyone ingests any part of the Incas the... A good choice for gardeners looking for a really long time minor toxicity: these plants, check the Berkeley... Impermeable plastic gloves will die back in the stems, leaves and flowers of plant! That come in contact with the sap that comes from the plant moist in warm weather skin reaction in! 222-1222 -- or your doctor or your doctor and cats ) and lily! The toxins in alstroemerias, pets are at risk of becoming tulipalin-sensitive by wearing impermeable plastic gloves rash irritation. Irritation. component includes potentially harmful toxins that can be harmful, or lily of genera... Are mild, alstroemeria ( alstroemeria aurantiaca ) is now gaining popularity as Peruvian!