Tarragon Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 4,585 found this helpful

Tarragon is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA data

Toxic effects are caused by the plant's naturally occurring essential oils

Ingestion only leads to mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms in most affected animals

FAQ

Is Tarragon toxic to Humans?

No confirmed toxicity data for standard culinary consumption; very large intake may cause mild stomach upset (Non-toxic)

Is Tarragon toxic to Cats?

Mild vomiting and diarrhea (Low)

Is Tarragon toxic to Dogs?

Mild vomiting and diarrhea (Low)

Is Tarragon toxic to Horses?

Mild vomiting and diarrhea (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxicity data for standard culinary consumption; very large intake may cause mild stomach upset

Cats

Low

Mild vomiting and diarrhea

Dogs

Low

Mild vomiting and diarrhea

Horses

Low

Mild vomiting and diarrhea

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll aerial plant parts (leaves, stems, flowers) contain toxic essential oils

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure is ingestion; direct skin contact may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals/animals

Toxic CompoundsEssential Oils

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining tarragon plant material from the animal's mouth and access area
• Offer small amounts of fresh water to dilute ingested toxic compounds if ingestion occurred within 10 minutes
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a licensed veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• The animal exhibits persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual lethargy after ingestion
• A very large quantity of tarragon was consumed by a small-sized pet
• Symptoms last for more than 24 hours after exposure

Prevention

• Keep potted or harvested tarragon out of reach of cats, dogs, and grazing horses
• Label tarragon clearly in home herb gardens to prevent accidental foraging by animals
• Check pet treat and horse forage ingredient lists to avoid unlisted tarragon content

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care including fluid administration to prevent dehydration from digestive symptoms
• Veterinarian-prescribed anti-emetic or anti-diarrheal medication for symptomatic relief
• 24 to 48 hour monitoring to rule out rare secondary complications

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameArtemisia dracunculus

AliasesFrench Tarragon、Estragon

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines)

Mechanism of Action

• Essential oil compounds irritate the gastrointestinal mucosal lining, causing mild localized inflammation and digestive symptoms

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, goats: Low toxicity risk; large ingestion quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset matching horse symptoms

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Low toxicity risk; ingestion may cause soft stools or mild diarrhea

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris

Both are Artemisia genus plants with similar elongated silvery-green leaves; tarragon has a distinct anise-like scent, while mugwort has a bitter, sage-like aroma

Russian Tarragon Artemisia dracunculoides

Often mislabeled as culinary French tarragon; Russian tarragon has a weaker, more bitter flavor and produces viable seeds, while culinary tarragon does not

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Ragwort

Jacobaea vulgaris

High toxicity, can cause irreversible liver failure in livestock and pets with repeated or large ingestion

Common Tansy

Tanacetum vulgare

Moderate toxicity, causes gastrointestinal distress and organ damage in large doses

Garden Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum indicum

Low to moderate toxicity, causes skin irritation and digestive symptoms on ingestion

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

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