Golden chervil Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 4,279 found this helpful

Golden chervil is confirmed non-toxic for humans, cats, dogs, horses, and common livestock species.

It only has moderate nutritional value as livestock feed when included in small proportions of the total diet.

It carries high confusion risk with related toxic Apiaceae species, including the highly lethal spotted hemlock.

FAQ

Is Golden chervil toxic to Humans?

No known adverse symptoms from accidental ingestion of standard quantities; very rare mild allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals (Non-toxic)

Is Golden chervil toxic to Cats?

No reported toxic effects from typical levels of ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Golden chervil toxic to Dogs?

No reported toxic effects from typical levels of ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Golden chervil toxic to Horses?

No reported toxic effects from typical levels of ingestion (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No known adverse symptoms from accidental ingestion of standard quantities; very rare mild allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals

Cats

Non-toxic

No reported toxic effects from typical levels of ingestion

Dogs

Non-toxic

No reported toxic effects from typical levels of ingestion

Horses

Non-toxic

No reported toxic effects from typical levels of ingestion

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo plant parts are known to be toxic to humans or common domestic and livestock animals

Exposure RouteAccidental ingestion, casual skin contact; no adverse effects are documented for either exposure route

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic active compounds have been identified in formal toxicology evaluations of this species

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water if very large quantities are ingested
• Wash affected skin with mild soap and water if mild irritation occurs in sensitive individuals
• Monitor for general gastrointestinal discomfort as a non-specific precaution

Contact Vet Immediately

• Pets or livestock exhibit persistent vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy after ingesting extremely large amounts
• Signs of systemic allergic reaction appear following exposure

Prevention

• Learn to distinguish golden chervil from visually similar toxic Apiaceae plants before foraging or allowing livestock to graze
• Remove confirmed toxic lookalike plants from pastures and residential areas accessible to pets and children

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care for any mild non-specific gastrointestinal discomfort as needed
• No specific antidote is required, as no toxic effects are associated with this species

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameChaerophyllum aureum L.

AliasesGelbfrüchtiger Kälberkropf (German common name)、Chérophylle doré (French common name)、Cerfoglio bastardo (Italian common name)

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are known to be negatively affected by exposure to this species

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism has been documented, as the species is confirmed non-toxic

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Non-toxic; moderate nutritional value when included in small proportions of forage

Sheep: Non-toxic; low nutritional value if fed as a primary forage source

Goats: Non-toxic, no adverse effects recorded from typical foraged quantities

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris

Visually similar in fern-like leaf and white umbel flower structure; non-toxic, key difference is darker, longer leaf stalks and lack of golden tint on young C. aureum foliage

Rough chervil Chaerophyllum temulum

Nearly identical when not fruiting; toxic, key difference is that C. temulum has spotted, bristly stems while C. aureum stems are smooth and unspotted

Spotted hemlock Conium maculatum

Extremely similar in leaf and flower structure; highly toxic, key difference is distinct purple blotches on stems and characteristic unpleasant mouse-like odor when crushed

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Related Toxic Plants

Spotted hemlock

Conium maculatum

Severe: Extremely toxic, small doses can cause fatal respiratory paralysis in humans and animals

Water hemlock

Cicuta maculata

Severe: Highly toxic, considered one of the most poisonous native North American plants, causes fatal seizures

Giant hogweed

Heracleum mantegazzianum

High: Toxic via skin contact, causes severe photodermatitis, blistering and permanent scarring

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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.