Spring Parsley
Cymopterus watsonii · Apiaceae
How it looks
Spring Parsley is a small herb in the carrot family (Apiaceae) whose fine, feather-shaped leaves grow in clumps from the root. Small yellow and white flowers gather in an umbrella shape. It resembles wild parsley and parsley, posing a risk of being mistaken for them.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Spring Parsley contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Spring Parsley rarely leads to serious trouble, but its furocoumarins and essential oils can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Photosensitization, vomiting
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Cymopterus watsonii
- Common name
- Spring Parsley
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Furocoumarins, Essential oils
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Photosensitization, vomiting
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
