Is it toxic to dogs?
Autumn crocus
Colchicum autumnale · Colchicaceae
Also called Meadow saffron, Naked ladies
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Severe
Yes. Autumn crocus is highly toxic to dogs. Every part contains colchicine and related alkaloids that can damage several organs, so any amount calls for an immediate call to a vet.
- Toxic parts
- All parts, Fresh and dried plant material
- Toxic compounds
- Colchicine and other alkaloids
- Where you’ll find it
- Garden
- When signs start
- Merck Veterinary Manual says signs can begin within hours, and the illness can drag on because colchicine leaves the body slowly.
Signs of poisoning
- Vomiting, sometimes bloody
- Diarrhea
- Increased thirst
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Shock
- Damage to several organs
- Bone marrow suppression
- Death
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Autumn crocus sends up pale pink-lilac, goblet-shaped flowers in fall, often with no leaves in sight, and its leaves appear the following spring. It looks like a spring crocus, but it is a different plant, which makes the name easy to trip over.
Every part contains colchicine and related alkaloids, and Pet Poison Helpline says both fresh and dried plant material are toxic. It describes the result as severe poisoning that can lead to organ failure, shock and death. The ASPCA lists bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, damage to several organs and bone marrow suppression. Merck Veterinary Manual says the illness runs a prolonged course because colchicine is cleared from the body slowly.
Dogs usually reach autumn crocus in garden beds, by chewing flowers or digging up the corms. Treat any crocus-like bloom in fall as suspicious.
If your dog ate autumn crocus
Do not wait for signs, because this poisoning is serious and can get worse over days. Call your vet, an emergency clinic or a poison helpline right away. In the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control is (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline is (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); outside the US, call your local emergency vet. Please don't try to make your dog vomit at home.
Bring a photo or a piece of the plant so the vet can confirm what it was, and tell them how much your dog may have eaten and when. Your vet will likely want bloodwork and close monitoring.
Watch for vomiting with blood, weakness or collapse on the way, and tell the clinic you are coming.
Keeping your dog safe
The simplest fix is to leave autumn crocus out of any garden your dog uses. If you already have it, fence the bed completely and remove spent flowers before your dog can pick them up. Store bulbs and corms in a closed container in a place your dog can't reach.
Dogs that dig are the biggest risk, so supervise yard time in fall and teach a dependable "leave it". For autumn color that is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, sunflowers and roses are good choices.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is autumn crocus poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, and Pet Poison Helpline describes severe poisoning with possible organ failure, shock and death.
Is autumn crocus the same as a spring crocus?
No. They are different plants that happen to look alike. Do not assume a crocus-like flower is harmless; check the exact plant against the ASPCA list or ask your vet.
Is dried autumn crocus still toxic?
Yes. Pet Poison Helpline says both fresh and dried plant material contain the toxic alkaloids.
Which part of autumn crocus is most toxic?
Pet Poison Helpline says all parts of the plant contain colchicine and related alkaloids, so treat the whole plant, including corms and flowers, as dangerous.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy