Are Peace Lilies Poisonous to Parrots?

The peace lily is lovely, but potentially harmful.

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are a popular houseplant, part of the philodendron family. The plants may be called spath or spathe flowers, Mauna Loa peace lily or white anthurium. Peace lilies are poisonous to birds, including parrots.

Misconceptions

While they may bear the name lily, peace lilies are not true lilies. They do not belong to the genus Lilium.

Warnings

The plant's toxicity comes from calcium oxalates. These replace calcium, affecting many body systems.

Symptoms

According to the Avian Web website, symptoms of peace lily poisoning in birds include regurgitation, difficulty swallowing and behaviors that indicate irritation of the mouth.

Considerations

Peace lily is toxic to both cats and dogs, making the plant a general danger to pets. The plant is also poisonous to children.

Prevention/Solution

For the safest possible environment, exclude these plants from your home and your parrot's environment. If the plant and birds must share the same household, take steps to keep them strictly separated.

References

• Avian Web: Peace Lilies aka White Anthurium, Spathe Flowers
• Avian Web: Foods and Plants Toxic to Birds
• "Veterinary Pathology"; Jones, Hunt and King; 1997
• ASPCA: Animal Poison Control -- Peace Lily
• National Capital Poison Center: Even Plants Can Be Poisonous

Resources

• Pet Education: Bird Safety: Poisonous and Safe Plants for Birds
• Planned Parrothood: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants, Tress, Substances
• Bird Channel: Plants for Your Aviary
• University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service: Plant of the Week -- Peace Lily, Spath