What should I do if my cat ate Bishop's Weed?

Call your vet if you see any sunburn-like skin lesions, swelling, or blisters; if your cat is licking or scratching one area persistently; or if you watched your cat chew the plant. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) for triage.

What should I do if my dog ate Bishop's Weed?

Call your vet right away if your dog has chewed the plant and is drooling heavily, vomiting repeatedly, or refusing food, or if you see any new skin lesions, blistering, or eye irritation in the days following exposure. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435. Until you reach a vet, keep the dog out of direct sunlight.

Bishop's Weed — (c) Eleftherios Katsillis, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eleftherios Katsillis — Photo by (c) Eleftherios Katsillis, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eleftherios KatsillisiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Eleftherios Katsillis, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eleftherios KatsillisiNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Bishop's Weed

Q: Is Bishop's Weed safe for cats?

Bishop's Weed is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion or skin contact can lead to severe reactions. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed or brushed against this plant.

Q: Is Bishop's Weed safe for dogs?

Bishop's Weed is potentially toxic to dogs. The plant contains compounds that increase sensitivity to sunlight and may cause internal distress. Seek veterinary care if your dog shows signs of discomfort or skin lesions.

Ammi majus

Bishop's Weed is an annual herb often grown for its delicate, lace-like white flower clusters. It contains furanocoumarins which can cause skin irritation and systemic issues if ingested.

Check a list

Ammi majusBishop's WeedFalse Queen Anne's LaceGreater Ammi

Light: Full sun
Habit: Upright, branching
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

Dermatitis, photosensitivity, drooling, and potential gastrointestinal upset.

Escalation note

Ingestion or skin contact can lead to severe reactions. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed or brushed against this plant.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Skin irritation, blistering upon sun exposure, vomiting, and lethargy.

Escalation note

The plant contains compounds that increase sensitivity to sunlight and may cause internal distress. Seek veterinary care if your dog shows signs of discomfort or skin lesions.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Bishop's Weed is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of furanocoumarins.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Ammi majus is an annual herb that can cause contact dermatitis and photosensitivity in humans and animals.

cats safety page My cat ate Bishop's Weed dogs safety page My dog ate Bishop's Weed

Same safety verdict

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