Are Daylilies Poisonous to Dogs?

Per the ASPCA, daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) are non-toxic to dogs. This is a critical species distinction: daylilies are deadly nephrotoxic to CATS (causing vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, acute kidney failure, and death), but dogs are not known to suffer this kidney toxicity. Do NOT confuse daylilies (Hemerocallis) with true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis-unrelated genera such as Lilium and Lilium-type plants) — true lilies are a separate group. Caveats for dogs: while not poisonous, eating any plant material can cause mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, drooling) simply from the indigestible fiber, and large amounts could pose a choking or GI-obstruction risk. If a dog shares a household with cats, keep daylilies (including cut flowers, pollen, leaves, and water from the vase) entirely away from the cats, as even small exposures are life-threatening to felines.

Are daylilies poisonous to dogs?

No. The ASPCA lists daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) as non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles a daylily is not expected to suffer poisoning, though eating any plant can cause mild, temporary stomach upset.

If daylilies are safe for dogs, why are they so dangerous?

Because they are extremely toxic to cats. The same daylily that is harmless to a dog can cause fatal acute kidney failure in a cat from even a tiny amount, including pollen or vase water. The 'toxic' reputation of daylilies comes from their danger to cats, not dogs.

Are daylilies the same as the lilies that kill pets?

They are related to the lethal lilies but distinct. Daylilies (Hemerocallis) and true lilies (Lilium) are both deadly to cats but are non-toxic to dogs per the ASPCA. The naming overlap causes confusion; for dogs, neither group is listed as toxic, but both are emergencies for cats.

• ASPCA — Day Lilies (many varieties), Hemerocallis spp.
• ASPCA — Orange Day Lily, Hemerocallis graminea

Last updated 2026-06-25