Feverfew Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,990 found this helpful

Feverfew is classified as non-toxic, but is never appropriate for use as animal feed for any species

Susceptible humans are at risk of contact allergic reactions when handling the plant

The plant is easily confused with non-toxic true chamomile and ornamental chrysanthemum species

FAQ

Is Feverfew toxic to Humans?

Contact allergic reactions including skin redness, itching, or localized rash in sensitive individuals (Low)

Is Feverfew toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported from casual contact or ingestion per available data (Non-toxic)

Is Feverfew toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported from casual contact or ingestion per available data (Non-toxic)

Is Feverfew toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported from casual contact or ingestion per available data (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Contact allergic reactions including skin redness, itching, or localized rash in sensitive individuals

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported from casual contact or ingestion per available data

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported from casual contact or ingestion per available data

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic symptoms reported from casual contact or ingestion per available data

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo plant parts are confirmed toxic; the entire plant is unsuitable for use as animal feed

Exposure RouteSkin contact (allergy risk for humans); accidental ingestion (no confirmed toxicity in animals, but not recommended)

Toxic Compounds

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Wash affected skin thoroughly with mild soap and cool water immediately if contact allergy symptoms appear in humans
• Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth, fur or skin of exposed pets immediately
• Monitor exposed animals for unusual discomfort or behavioral changes for 24 hours post-exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy after ingesting large volumes of the plant
• If a human experiences severe allergic reactions (facial swelling, difficulty breathing, widespread rash) after contact
• If you are unsure of the plant's identity and suspect exposure to a more toxic related species

Prevention

• Wear disposable gloves when handling feverfew to reduce contact allergy risk
• Store feverfew separately from edible chamomile and clearly label it to avoid misidentification
• Keep large quantities of the plant out of reach of livestock and pets to prevent accidental over-ingestion

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer over-the-counter antihistamines for mild human contact allergies under medical guidance
• Provide supportive care (fresh water, rest) for animals that ingest small amounts of the plant
• Seek specialized medical or veterinary care for severe adverse reactions immediately

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameTanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz Bip.

AliasesChrysanthemum parthenium (L.) Bernh.、Leucanthemum parthenium (L.) Gren & Gordon、Matricaria eximia Hort.、Matricaria parthenium L.、Pyrethrum parthenium (L.) Sm.、Mutterkraut、Tanaisie matricaire、Erba amara vera

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

Skin (for human contact allergy cases)

Mechanism of Action

• Susceptible individuals develop type IV hypersensitivity reactions (allergic contact dermatitis) when exposed to plant surface compounds

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Rabbits & small rodents: No confirmed toxicity, but ingestion of large volumes may cause mild gastrointestinal upset

Captive birds: No reported toxic effects from casual ingestion, but regular use as feed is not recommended

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Ornamental Chrysanthemum species Chrysanthemum spp.

Visually similar daisy-like flower structure; both are non-toxic, feverfew has smaller, more tightly clustered flower heads than most ornamental chrysanthemums

True Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla

Near-identical white-petaled, yellow-centered flower head structure; both are non-toxic, true chamomile has a sweet, apple-like scent when crushed while feverfew has a bitter, pungent aroma

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Tansy

Tanacetum vulgare

Moderate toxicity: causes gastrointestinal distress, neurological symptoms and liver damage if ingested in large amounts

Common Ragwort

Jacobaea vulgaris

Severe toxicity: causes irreversible, fatal liver damage in all livestock and companion animal species

Giant Hogweed

Heracleum mantegazzianum

High toxicity: causes severe phototoxic contact dermatitis, blistering and permanent skin 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.