Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted 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
Pet safety reference
Spring Parsley
Cymopterus watsonii
Spring Parsley is a low-growing perennial herb native to the western United States, often found in rocky, arid environments. It is considered toxic to pets if ingested and should be kept out of reach.
Cymopterus watsoniiSpring ParsleyWatson's spring parsley
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Low-growing herbaceous perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
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
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential lethargy.
Escalation note
Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed this plant.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and drooling.
Escalation note
Ingestion may lead to digestive upset. If your dog has ingested any part of this plant, consult your veterinarian for professional guidance.
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
Spring Parsley (Cymopterus watsonii) is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical name and distribution data for Cymopterus watsonii.
Questions about Spring Parsley
Is Spring Parsley toxic to cats?
Yes, Spring Parsley (Cymopterus watsonii) is considered toxic to cats. If ingested, it can cause gastrointestinal distress, and ASPCA data also links it to photosensitization — a sunburn-like reaction affecting the skin.
What symptoms does Spring Parsley cause in cats?
Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Spring Parsley is also associated with photosensitization, which can present as redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling on lightly pigmented or thinly furred areas like the nose, ear tips, and eyelids.
What should I do if my cat ate Spring Parsley?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Monitor for vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and lethargy, and also watch exposed skin — especially the nose, ear tips, and eyelids — for any sunburn-like redness or blistering.
Which parts of a cat's body are most at risk from Spring Parsley exposure?
ASPCA data flags photosensitization as a concern, meaning skin damage is most likely to appear on areas with thin fur or light pigmentation — the nose, ear tips, and eyelids. Call your vet if you notice redness, blistering, eye irritation, or progressive skin damage after suspected exposure.
Is Spring Parsley toxic to dogs?
Yes, Spring Parsley (Cymopterus watsonii) is considered toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause digestive upset, and the plant is also associated with photosensitization — a skin reaction triggered by sun exposure after contact.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating Spring Parsley?
Digestive symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and drooling. The ASPCA also reports photosensitization: watch for redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling on sun-exposed areas like the muzzle, ears, eyelids, and belly after any possible exposure.
What should I do if my dog ate Spring Parsley?
Contact your veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Monitor for vomiting, drooling, or abdominal pain, and limit your dog's sun exposure — photosensitization can cause skin blistering even if ingestion symptoms seem mild.
What is the skin reaction caused by Spring Parsley in dogs?
Spring Parsley can cause photosensitization, a condition where compounds in the plant make the skin hypersensitive to sunlight. This can manifest as sunburn-like redness, blistering, swelling, or peeling on thinly-haired areas such as the muzzle, ears, eyelids, and belly. Call your vet if you notice any of these signs progressing rather than improving.
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