Pet safety
Is Rough Cherviltoxic to cats & dogs?
Chaerophyllum temulum
Toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Chaerophyllum temulum
Is rough chervil safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists rough chervil as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. 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. Chaerophyllum temulum contains toxic alkaloids and furanocoumarins. The plant causes gastrointestinal inflammation, drowsiness, vertigo, and cardiac weakness if ingested; the sap causes phototoxic skin irritation (contact dermatitis) on exposed skin in sunlight. It is toxic to livestock, people, and pets. It must not be confused with edible Anthriscus cerefolium (culinary chervil), which is ASPCA-listed non-toxic. Chaerophyllum temulum itself does not appear on the ASPCA database; it is classified as toxic based on documented veterinary and horticultural toxicity reports.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats rough chervil?
Chaerophyllum temulum contains toxic alkaloids and furanocoumarins. The plant causes gastrointestinal inflammation, drowsiness, vertigo, and cardiac weakness if ingested; the sap causes phototoxic skin irritation (contact dermatitis) on exposed skin in sunlight. It is toxic to livestock, people, and pets. It must not be confused with edible Anthriscus cerefolium (culinary chervil), which is ASPCA-listed non-toxic. Chaerophyllum temulum itself does not appear on the ASPCA database; it is classified as toxic based on documented veterinary and horticultural toxicity reports. 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 rough chervil, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate rough chervil
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move rough chervil 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 rough chervil 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 rough chervil
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)
Rough Chervil and pets — frequently asked questions
Is rough chervil toxic to cats?
Rough Chervil (Chaerophyllum temulum) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Chaerophyllum temulum contains toxic alkaloids and furanocoumarins. The plant causes gastrointestinal inflammation, drowsiness, vertigo, and cardiac weakness if ingested; the sap causes phototoxic skin irritation (contact dermatitis) on exposed skin in sunlight. It is toxic to livestock, people, and pets. It must not be confused with edible Anthriscus cerefolium (culinary chervil), which is ASPCA-listed non-toxic. Chaerophyllum temulum itself does not appear on the ASPCA database; it is classified as toxic based on documented veterinary and horticultural toxicity reports. 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 rough chervil toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Rough Chervil (Chaerophyllum temulum) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like rough chervil is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats rough chervil?
Chaerophyllum temulum contains toxic alkaloids and furanocoumarins. The plant causes gastrointestinal inflammation, drowsiness, vertigo, and cardiac weakness if ingested; the sap causes phototoxic skin irritation (contact dermatitis) on exposed skin in sunlight. It is toxic to livestock, people, and pets. It must not be confused with edible Anthriscus cerefolium (culinary chervil), which is ASPCA-listed non-toxic. Chaerophyllum temulum itself does not appear on the ASPCA database; it is classified as toxic based on documented veterinary and horticultural toxicity reports. 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 rough chervil, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate rough chervil?
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 rough chervil to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to rough chervil?
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 rough chervil care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete rough chervil care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.