Tulip

Tulipa (genus; NC State covers Tulipa spp. and hybrids)

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

Flowers, Leaves, Roots, Bulb (highest concentration of toxin)

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant.

Hazard type

NC State rates poison severity low: ingestion can cause stomach pain, salivation, depression, diarrhea, sweating, nausea and vomiting; skin contact can cause an allergic reaction (tingling, redness, blisters, cracks); the toxic principle is tulipalin, with allergens and a glycoprotein.

Hazard route

ingestion, and skin: NC State says skin contact can cause an allergic contact dermatitis, immediately or after a delay, and it may spread away from the point of contact

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Pet verdict: toxic, confirmed at the whole-genus (Tulipa spp.). ASPCA Tulip and NC State (tagged Problem for Cats, Dogs, Horses) both list it as toxic to pets.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 3 to 8 (NC State Extension). NC State says tulips are intolerant of heat and do best with cool, moist winters and warm, dry summers.
Light: Full sun, 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day (NC State).
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 4 inches to 2 feet 4 inches tall and 6 to 9 inches wide (NC State Extension).
Where it comes from: Southern Europe to Central Asia (NC State)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon