SafePlants

Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris)

Anthriscus sylvestris, commonly known as cow parsley, is a herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial belonging to the parsley or carrot family (Apiaceae or Umbelliferae).

Common Names

• Cow Parsley
• Wild Chervil
• Wild Beaked Parsley
• Keck
• Queen Anne's Lace (UK)
• Garden Chervil

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm.
• Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
• Synonyms: Anthriscus caucalis M. Bieb. (bur chervil)

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is suspected of being poisonous.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is suspected of being poisonous.
• Leaves and seeds are all edible, raw.

Distribution and Habitat

Wild chervil is native to northern Europe and Britain. It has been introduced to North America from Europe and is now naturalized in much of northeastern North America. It's found covering wide areas, particularly where land hasn't been heavily cultivated by humans. Specifically mentioned are Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Ecological Role

• Wild chervil is considered an invasive species.
• It has an aggressive growth habit that can quickly create monocultures, potentially reducing crop yields and negatively impacting forage production.
• It spreads rapidly, smothering out other vegetation.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a biennial or short-lived perennial that grows 1-4 feet tall.
• The stems are hollow and hairy, with a fringe of hairs at the stem nodes, and are sometimes described as ridged.
• Leaves are alternate, shiny green, and fern-like with compound leaves. Petioles are green, without red-purple mottling.
• It grows from a taproot.
• It has white flowers arranged in umbrella-like clusters.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It is noted to be in bloom during the spring season.

Quirky Facts

• It likely arrived in North America as a component of British wildflower seed mixes.