Parsley

Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss

Family: ApiaceaeOrigin: Mediterranean region; widely cultivated as a culinary herb

Herb
Biennial
Full Sun/Partial Shade

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Human edibility

Edible

Edible parts

leaves (fresh/dried), stems, root (in root-grown cultivars)

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

avoid prolonged skin contact with cut/crushed plant in direct sun (photosensitivity)

Hazard type

photosensitivity (furanocoumarins): dermal contact + UV, not ingestion, look-alike confusion risk within Apiaceae

Hazard route

dermal contact plus sun exposure (photosensitivity); foraging misidentification risk (not a hazard of the cultivated plant itself)

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is complete as far as our sources go. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Toxic to dogs, cats and horses (ASPCA species page; NC State agrees). Parsley is a culinary herb; the concern is a pet eating more of the plant than garnish amounts. NC State also lists photosensitization (sunburn, dermatitis) in people.

Patent / trademark

not applicable

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: Not checked yet
Water needs: moderate to high
Mature size: Clumping, erect habit; specific dimensions not given by sources used.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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