Rough Chervil Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 3,336 found this helpful

Chaerophyllum temulum L.

All parts of the plant are toxic, including when dried and included in animal fodder.

Symptoms onset 30 minutes post-ingestion, starting with ataxia, uncoordinated movement and dilated pupils.

Pigs have significantly higher sensitivity to this plant's toxins than ruminant species.

FAQ

Is Rough Chervil toxic to Humans?

No species-specific human poisoning data is documented; expected to cause similar neurological and gastrointestinal distress as observed in animals. (Moderate)

Is Rough Chervil toxic to Cats?

No species-specific data available; monitor for unsteady gait, dilated pupils, diarrhea and abdominal pain if exposure is suspected. (Moderate)

Is Rough Chervil toxic to Dogs?

No species-specific data available; monitor for ataxia, vomiting, colic and altered consciousness following suspected ingestion. (Moderate)

Is Rough Chervil toxic to Horses?

No species-specific data available; likely to present with uncoordinated movement, diarrhea, severe colic and neurological impairment post-ingestion. (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

No species-specific human poisoning data is documented; expected to cause similar neurological and gastrointestinal distress as observed in animals.

Cats

Moderate

No species-specific data available; monitor for unsteady gait, dilated pupils, diarrhea and abdominal pain if exposure is suspected.

Dogs

Moderate

No species-specific data available; monitor for ataxia, vomiting, colic and altered consciousness following suspected ingestion.

Horses

Moderate

No species-specific data available; likely to present with uncoordinated movement, diarrhea, severe colic and neurological impairment post-ingestion.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll parts of the plant, including dried specimens

Exposure RouteOral ingestion (primary route, via contaminated fodder or accidental foraging)

Toxic CompoundsFalcarinol; Falcarinone

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting if ingestion occurred within 2 hours and the affected individual is fully conscious.
• Administer activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed residual toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Closely monitor for early signs of ataxia, dilated pupils or gastrointestinal distress.

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of rough chervil, even if no symptoms have developed yet.
• Onset of neurological symptoms, colic, diarrhea, or altered consciousness post-exposure.
• If the affected animal is seizing, unconscious, or experiencing difficulty breathing.

Prevention

• Regularly inspect pastures and harvested fodder to remove all rough chervil growth.
• Restrict pet and livestock access to areas with confirmed rough chervil infestations.
• Avoid foraging for wild Apiaceae family plants if you cannot reliably distinguish toxic from non-toxic species.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform immediate gastrointestinal decontamination to reduce toxin absorption.
• Provide symptomatic supportive care including pain management for colic and fluid therapy for dehydration.
• Monitor neurological status closely, provide supportive care for coma or sedative-like states as required.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameChaerophyllum temulum L.

AliasesDrooping chervil、Drunken chervil、Hedge chervil

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Central nervous systemGastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Polyine compounds (falcarinol, falcarinone) exert central nervous system depressant effects and irritate the gastrointestinal tract mucosa.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Pigs: Higher sensitivity to the plant's toxins compared to ruminants, at significantly greater risk of developing severe, potentially fatal poisoning.

Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats): Lower relative sensitivity, but still at risk of developing toxic effects including colic, ataxia and gastrointestinal distress following ingestion.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris

Non-toxic visually similar species; key difference is that rough chervil has rough, hairy stems while cow parsley has smooth, hairless stems.

Golden chervil Chaerophyllum aureum

Non-toxic closely related species; distinguished by its characteristic golden-yellow fruit, absent in rough chervil.

Poison hemlock Conium maculatum

Highly toxic visually similar Apiaceae species; key difference is that poison hemlock has smooth, purple-spotted stems, while rough chervil has hairy, unspotted stems.

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Related Toxic Plants

Heracleum mantegazzianum

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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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