Is Parsnip 'Hollow Crown' toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists parsnip 'hollow crown' as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Cultivated parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant list; the ASPCA 'poison parsnip' entry is water hemlock (Cicuta maculata), an unrelated species. Parsnip foliage and sap contain phototoxic furanocoumarins (psoralens) that cause phytophotodermatitis in sunlight. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; keep pets from chewing the foliage and handle tops with gloves.

Cultivated parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant list; the ASPCA 'poison parsnip' entry is water hemlock (Cicuta maculata), an unrelated species. Parsnip foliage and sap contain phototoxic furanocoumarins (psoralens) that cause phytophotodermatitis in sunlight. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; keep pets from chewing the foliage and handle tops with gloves. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to parsnip 'hollow crown'.

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Parsnip 'Hollow Crown' is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full parsnip 'hollow crown' pet-safety guide for both species.

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.