Lacy phacelia Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,659 found this helpful

No published human or animal poisoning cases associated with Phacelia tanacetifolia have been recorded to date

Peer-reviewed research confirms this plant is suitable for use as a component of livestock feed for ruminants including calves

It can be easily confused with weakly toxic related Boraginaceae family plants, so accurate identification is critical

FAQ

Is Lacy phacelia toxic to Humans?

No known toxicity symptoms reported in humans (Non-toxic)

Is Lacy phacelia toxic to Cats?

No known toxicity symptoms reported in cats (Non-toxic)

Is Lacy phacelia toxic to Dogs?

No known toxicity symptoms reported in dogs (Non-toxic)

Is Lacy phacelia toxic to Horses?

No known toxicity symptoms reported in horses (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No known toxicity symptoms reported in humans

Cats

Non-toxic

No known toxicity symptoms reported in cats

Dogs

Non-toxic

No known toxicity symptoms reported in dogs

Horses

Non-toxic

No known toxicity symptoms reported in horses

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic plant parts have been identified, as no confirmed poisoning events have been documented in scientific literature

Exposure RouteNo specific toxic exposure routes are confirmed; typical exposure is via accidental ingestion, which is not expected to cause adverse effects

Toxic Compounds

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water to remove any remaining plant matter if large amounts are ingested
• Monitor for 2-4 hours post-exposure for any unusual non-specific digestive discomfort
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification if symptoms appear

Contact Vet Immediately

• If persistent vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or other unusual symptoms develop after ingestion
• If the ingested plant is confirmed to be a misidentified toxic lookalike species instead of Lacy phacelia

Prevention

• Accurately identify all forage plants before allowing pets or livestock access to grazing areas
• Label ornamental Lacy phacelia plantings to avoid misidentification as toxic related species
• Remove confirmed toxic lookalike plants from areas accessible to pets and livestock

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care for any mild, non-specific digestive symptoms if they occur
• Administer targeted treatment only if the ingested plant is confirmed to be a toxic lookalike
• Monitor the patient until all non-specific symptoms fully resolve

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePhacelia tanacetifolia Benth.

AliasesBlue tansy、Purple tansy、Rainfarnblättrige Phazelie (German)、Bienenfreund (German)、Phacélie à feuilles de tanaisie (French)、Facelia con foglie di tanaceto (Italian)

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific target organs have been identified, as no toxicity has been confirmed for this species

Mechanism of Action

• No specific toxic mechanism has been identified, as no confirmed poisoning events have been documented

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle (calves): Confirmed safe for inclusion in feed rations, with no adverse effects reported in peer-reviewed feeding trials

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common comfrey Symphytum officinale

Visually similar due to shared Boraginaceae family traits; this species is weakly toxic, unlike Lacy phacelia. Key difference: comfrey has broader, rougher leaves compared to Lacy phacelia's finely divided lacy foliage.

Borage Borago officinalis

Shared family morphological features lead to potential misidentification; borage is weakly toxic. Key difference: borage produces bright blue star-shaped flowers, while Lacy phacelia has curved clusters of purple-blue bell-shaped flowers.

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Related Toxic Plants

Common comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Low toxicity (weakly toxic)

European heliotrope

Heliotropium europaeum

Moderate toxicity

Common fiddleneck

Amsinckia menziesii

High toxicity

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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.