Garden Angelica Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,807 found this helpful

Angelica archangelica L., Angelica officinalis Hoffm.

All parts of the plant, especially the sap, contain furocoumarins that cause phototoxic reactions after sun exposure

Contact rarely causes severe systemic toxicity in animals, but may lead to skin irritation, blistering or ulceration in sensitive species

Strict sun exposure avoidance after contact is critical to reduce the severity of phototoxic symptoms

FAQ

Is Garden Angelica toxic to Humans?

Phototoxic reactions including skin redness, blistering, itching and burning on sun-exposed areas; oral ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort (Moderate)

Is Garden Angelica toxic to Cats?

No specific confirmed cases reported, potential for mild localized skin irritation or phototoxic reactions on bare skin contact (Low)

Is Garden Angelica toxic to Dogs?

Phototoxic skin reactions on unpigmented/light-skinned areas after contact, no severe systemic toxicity reported (Low)

Is Garden Angelica toxic to Horses?

No specific confirmed cases reported, potential for mild photodermatitis after sap contact followed by sun exposure (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Phototoxic reactions including skin redness, blistering, itching and burning on sun-exposed areas; oral ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort

Cats

Low

No specific confirmed cases reported, potential for mild localized skin irritation or phototoxic reactions on bare skin contact

Dogs

Low

Phototoxic skin reactions on unpigmented/light-skinned areas after contact, no severe systemic toxicity reported

Horses

Low

No specific confirmed cases reported, potential for mild photodermatitis after sap contact followed by sun exposure

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll parts of the plant, especially the sap

Exposure RouteDirect skin contact with plant sap, ingestion of plant material

Toxic CompoundsBergapten; Xanthotoxin; Psoralen; Imperatorin; Angelicin; Isopimpinellin; Peucedanin; Oxypeucedanin; Ostruthol; Isoimperatorin; Pimpinellin; Isobergapten; Marmesin; Phellopterin; Sphondin; Apterin; Archangelin

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Wash affected skin areas thoroughly with mild soap and cold water immediately after contact
• Cover all exposed areas fully to avoid sunlight/UV exposure for at least 48 hours
• If ingested, rinse mouth with clean water and offer small sips of water, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical/vet professional

Contact Vet Immediately

• If severe blistering, ulceration or persistent pain develops after contact
• If your pet ingests large quantities of the plant and shows distress, drooling or visible skin reactions
• If phototoxic reactions worsen progressively 24 hours after exposure

Prevention

• Wear long sleeves, gloves and eye protection when handling the plant
• Keep pets and livestock away from areas where wild or cultivated garden angelica grows
• Avoid sun/UV exposure for 2-3 days after any potential contact with the plant sap

Treatment & Prognosis

• Topical application of antibiotic and glucocorticoid ointments to affected skin areas
• Administer analgesics to relieve pain and discomfort
• Strictly avoid sunlight/UV exposure until symptoms fully resolve
• Provide supportive care for gastrointestinal symptoms if ingestion occurs

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAngelica archangelica L., Angelica officinalis Hoffm.

AliasesAngelica、Angelique、Wild parsnip、Arznei-Engelwurz、Angélique officinale

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

SkinOral mucous membranesEyes

Mechanism of Action

• Furocoumarin compounds absorb UV radiation after skin contact, causing oxidative damage to skin cells and triggering inflammatory phototoxic reactions

• Ingestion may lead to mucous membrane irritation and increased systemic photosensitivity

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Phototoxic skin reactions reported after exposure to the plant

Sheep: Phototoxic skin reactions reported after exposure to the plant

Goats: Ulcerative stomatitis reported after ingestion of related Apiaceae plants, potential for phototoxic skin reactions

Ducklings: Contact dermatitis of unpigmented beaks reported after exposure to plant sap

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Angelica species Angelica spp.

Most Angelica species share very similar leaf and umbel flower morphology, and many also contain furocoumarins with comparable phototoxic properties, making differentiation difficult without specialized botanical identification

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Related Toxic Plants

Giant Hogweed

Heracleum mantegazzianum

High toxicity, causes severe blistering photodermatitis and permanent skin scarring

Poison Hemlock

Conium maculatum

Severe toxicity, fatal to humans and animals if ingested even in small quantities

Water Hemlock

Cicuta maculata

Severe toxicity, highly toxic to all species, causing rapid fatal neurological symptoms

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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