Pet safety
Is Glory of the Suntoxic to cats & dogs?
Leucocoryne ixioides
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Leucocoryne ixioides
Is glory of the sun safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — glory of the sun is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Leucocoryne ixioides is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic Plant database. As a member of Amaryllidaceae (formerly Alliaceae/Themidaceae), it is related to plants containing organosulfur compounds and steroidal saponins. The garlic scent of the crushed leaves indicates the presence of organosulfur compounds, similar to those in Allium species that are toxic to cats and dogs. Given the absence of confirmed non-toxic status and its Amaryllidaceae affinity, treat as potentially harmful and seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests any part.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats glory of the sun?
Leucocoryne ixioides is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic Plant database. As a member of Amaryllidaceae (formerly Alliaceae/Themidaceae), it is related to plants containing organosulfur compounds and steroidal saponins. The garlic scent of the crushed leaves indicates the presence of organosulfur compounds, similar to those in Allium species that are toxic to cats and dogs. Given the absence of confirmed non-toxic status and its Amaryllidaceae affinity, treat as potentially harmful and seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests any part. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to glory of the sun, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate glory of the sun
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move glory of the sun out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of glory of the sun to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to glory of the sun
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Glory of the Sun and pets — frequently asked questions
Is glory of the sun toxic to cats?
Glory of the Sun (Leucocoryne ixioides) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Leucocoryne ixioides is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic Plant database. As a member of Amaryllidaceae (formerly Alliaceae/Themidaceae), it is related to plants containing organosulfur compounds and steroidal saponins. The garlic scent of the crushed leaves indicates the presence of organosulfur compounds, similar to those in Allium species that are toxic to cats and dogs. Given the absence of confirmed non-toxic status and its Amaryllidaceae affinity, treat as potentially harmful and seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests any part. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is glory of the sun toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Glory of the Sun (Leucocoryne ixioides) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like glory of the sun is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats glory of the sun?
Leucocoryne ixioides is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic Plant database. As a member of Amaryllidaceae (formerly Alliaceae/Themidaceae), it is related to plants containing organosulfur compounds and steroidal saponins. The garlic scent of the crushed leaves indicates the presence of organosulfur compounds, similar to those in Allium species that are toxic to cats and dogs. Given the absence of confirmed non-toxic status and its Amaryllidaceae affinity, treat as potentially harmful and seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests any part. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to glory of the sun, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate glory of the sun?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of glory of the sun to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to glory of the sun?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full glory of the sun care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete glory of the sun care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.