Wild angelica Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 3,372 found this helpful
Angelica sylvestris L.
1

Contains furocoumarin compounds that cause phototoxic reactions when sap-exposed skin is exposed to sunlight

2

All parts of the plant are toxic, with its sap posing the highest risk of adverse reactions

3

Contact toxicity is low for most animals, but ingestion or prolonged exposure can cause moderate symptoms

FAQ

Is Wild angelica toxic to Humans?

Phototoxic contact dermatitis, blistering, and long-term skin discoloration on sap-exposed areas after sun exposure (Moderate)

Is Wild angelica toxic to Cats?

No specific reported data; possible mild contact dermatitis on hairless or light-skinned exposed areas (Unknown)

Is Wild angelica toxic to Dogs?

Phototoxic skin reactions including blistering and redness on unpigmented, light-skinned areas after sap contact plus sun exposure (Low)

Is Wild angelica toxic to Horses?

No specific reported data; potential for phototoxic dermatitis on light-skinned, hairless areas after sap contact (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans
Moderate

Phototoxic contact dermatitis, blistering, and long-term skin discoloration on sap-exposed areas after sun exposure

Cats
Unknown

No specific reported data; possible mild contact dermatitis on hairless or light-skinned exposed areas

Dogs
Low

Phototoxic skin reactions including blistering and redness on unpigmented, light-skinned areas after sap contact plus sun exposure

Horses
Unknown

No specific reported data; potential for phototoxic dermatitis on light-skinned, hairless areas after sap contact

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire 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 any sap-exposed skin areas immediately with large amounts of cool soapy water to remove residual plant compounds
  • • Cover all affected areas fully to block sunlight and prevent phototoxic reaction development
  • • If ingested, rinse the mouth thoroughly and avoid inducing vomiting unless instructed by a medical or veterinary professional

Contact Vet Immediately

  • • Your pet has ingested large quantities of wild angelica
  • • Blistering, ulceration, or severe dermatitis develops on contact areas
  • • Signs of mouth sores, drooling, or difficulty eating appear after ingestion

Prevention

  • • Wear long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection when handling wild angelica or related Apiaceae plants
  • • Keep pets and livestock away from areas where wild angelica grows densely
  • • Avoid exposing sap-contacted skin to direct sunlight for at least 48 hours after exposure

Treatment & Prognosis

  • • Apply prescribed topical antibiotic and glucocorticoid ointments to affected skin areas
  • • Administer analgesics to relieve pain from blistering, ulceration, or inflammation
  • • Strictly avoid all sunlight exposure for affected patients until symptoms fully resolve
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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAngelica sylvestris L.
AliasesWoodland angelica
Toxicity Grade
HumansModerate
CatsUnknown
DogsLow
HorsesUnknown
Target Organs
SkinMucous membranesOral cavity
Mechanism of Action

• Furocoumarin compounds absorb UV light, triggering oxidative damage to skin cells when exposed to sunlight

• Compounds cause localized tissue inflammation and ulceration on contact with skin or mucosal membranes after ingestion

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Phototoxic skin reactions observed after exposure
Sheep: Phototoxic skin reactions observed after exposure
Goats: Ulcerative stomatitis (painful mouth sores) reported after ingestion of related Apiaceae plants, same risk is suspected for wild angelica
Young ducklings: Contact dermatitis on unpigmented beaks observed after exposure
Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Garden angelica Angelica archangelica
Closely related to wild angelica with nearly identical leaf and flower structure; garden angelica is cultivated for culinary use, while wild angelica has higher furocoumarin content and higher toxicity risk
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Data Sources

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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