Bishop's Weed
Ammi majus · Apiaceae
How it looks
Bishop's weed (Ammi majus) is a carrot-family (Apiaceae) herb with fine, deeply feather-divided leaves and small white flowers gathered in flat umbrella-shaped clusters. The flower clusters are 2–6 in (5–15 cm) across. Height 2 ft to 3 ft (60 cm–1 m), common as a wildflower and in bouquets.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Bishop's Weed contain irritating compounds that can cause gastrointestinal signs like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Bishop's Weed rarely leads to serious trouble, but its furocoumarins (which are phototoxic) can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Photosensitization, skin blistering
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Ammi majus
- Common name
- Bishop's Weed
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Furocoumarins (phototoxic)
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Photosensitization, skin blistering
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Apiaceae
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