§ Toxic plants · Apiaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is common cowparsnip toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Common cowparsnip (Heracleum maximum) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Mild, level 1 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include skin irritation and sunburn-like skin reactions to light. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Apiaceae plants toxic to pets
Common cowparsnip belongs to the Apiaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about common cowparsnip and pets
Is common cowparsnip toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists common cowparsnip as toxic to cats.
Is common cowparsnip toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists common cowparsnip as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats common cowparsnip?
Signs include skin irritation and sunburn-like skin reactions to light. Plant Smart rates it Mild, level 1 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.
What else is common cowparsnip called?
Common cowparsnip is also sold or known as tube clematis.