Pet safety
Is Burnet Saxifragetoxic to cats & dogs?
Pimpinella saxifraga
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 Pimpinella saxifraga
Is burnet saxifrage safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — burnet saxifrage 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. Pimpinella saxifraga is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Like many Apiaceae, it contains furanocoumarins, which can cause phototoxic skin reactions in humans on contact. No confirmed pet poisoning cases are on record, but in the absence of a verified ASPCA non-toxic listing, it is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; consult a vet if ingestion by a pet is suspected.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats burnet saxifrage?
Pimpinella saxifraga is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Like many Apiaceae, it contains furanocoumarins, which can cause phototoxic skin reactions in humans on contact. No confirmed pet poisoning cases are on record, but in the absence of a verified ASPCA non-toxic listing, it is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; consult a vet if ingestion by a pet is suspected. 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 burnet saxifrage, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate burnet saxifrage
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move burnet saxifrage 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 burnet saxifrage 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 burnet saxifrage
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:
- Basil — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Herb garden — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Rosemary — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Thyme — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Burnet Saxifrage and pets — frequently asked questions
Is burnet saxifrage toxic to cats?
Burnet Saxifrage (Pimpinella saxifraga) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Pimpinella saxifraga is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Like many Apiaceae, it contains furanocoumarins, which can cause phototoxic skin reactions in humans on contact. No confirmed pet poisoning cases are on record, but in the absence of a verified ASPCA non-toxic listing, it is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; consult a vet if ingestion by a pet is suspected. 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 burnet saxifrage toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Burnet Saxifrage (Pimpinella saxifraga) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like burnet saxifrage is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats burnet saxifrage?
Pimpinella saxifraga is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Like many Apiaceae, it contains furanocoumarins, which can cause phototoxic skin reactions in humans on contact. No confirmed pet poisoning cases are on record, but in the absence of a verified ASPCA non-toxic listing, it is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution; consult a vet if ingestion by a pet is suspected. 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 burnet saxifrage, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate burnet saxifrage?
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 burnet saxifrage to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to burnet saxifrage?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include basil, herb garden, rosemary, thyme. 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 burnet saxifrage care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete burnet saxifrage care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.