This study aims to elucidate the retention mechanism of Cd2+ in Chromic Luvisol, quantify the accumulation of this element in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), and evaluate the resulting biological disorders. After chemical and structural soil characterization, its maximum adsorptive capacity for Cd2+ is estimated. Subsequently, coriander is cultivated in the presence of Cd (from 12.5 to 2500 mg kg−1); cadmium concentrations are spectrometrically determined in stalks and leaves previously decomposed in a pressurized microwave oven. Leaves are analyzed by optical microscopy to identify cell damage. Chromic Luvisol has 20% (w/w) clay, 0.4 ± 0.03% (w/w) total organic matter, pH 8.0 ± 0.1, maximum adsorptive capacity = 5350 mg kg−1, and discretely reversible Cd2+ adsorption. Coriander exhibits leaf chlorosis and die when soil cadmium doses are ≥625 mg kg−1; below this dose, cadmium is accumulated in coriander up to 22.0 ± 0.6 mg kg−1 (dry weight). At 15 mg kg−1 in soil, cadmium causes atrophy of the mesophyll. This work integrates chemical and biological aspects related to the presence of cadmium in Chromic Luvisol, and highlights the risks concerning the cadmium accumulation in coriander as well as the possibilities of using this vegetable in future phytoremediation investigations.