Caraway
Carum carvi
Last reviewed: June 2026
Caraway is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
IA
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Caraway is a biennial herb that produces delicate, fern-like foliage in its first year and sends up umbrella-shaped clusters of small white flowers in late spring to early summer of its second year. This compact plant reaches 1-2 feet tall and offers aromatic seeds that are commonly used as a culinary spice.
In an HOA neighborhood
Caraway takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Appears as herb/vegetable rather than ornamental landscape plant
- Dies back completely after second year seed production
- May self-seed creating informal cottage garden appearance
Wildlife value
The umbrella-shaped flower clusters attract various beneficial insects including bees, beetles, and flies during its bloom period in May and June.
Common questions
- How much sun does Caraway need?
- Caraway grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Caraway bloom?
- Caraway blooms in May and June.
- Where is Caraway native?
- Caraway (Carum carvi) is native to IA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Caraway toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Caraway is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Caraway toxic to cats?
- Yes. Caraway is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Caraway attract?
- Caraway draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Caraway HOA-friendly?
- Caraway takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Caraway and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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